POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Why am I feeling this way? Are my feelings normal?
Up to 1 in 5 women experience significant anxiety and/or depression during pregnancy or after giving birth.
You are not alone, and with proper treatment you can feel better. Feelings such as sadness, anxiety, doubt, obsessing, disconnectedness, regret, and guilt are all common during this highly emotional time.
Not only can transitions be difficult, but hormonal changes, lack of sleep, physical discomfort, and lack of autonomy can all exacerbate the negative feelings that some new parents have. Further, expectations that you “should” be overjoyed and “treasuring” these moments, can further complicate the picture, making your sadness and negative feelings seem even more intolerable.
When should I get help?
Don’t be ashamed of getting help.
80% of new mothers experience postpartum blues in the first few weeks after having a baby and up to 20% of women have mood disturbances during pregnancy.
Reaching out to friends, family, or even a therapist when feeling distressed is an important step to ensuring that you receive the support you need so that you don’t become isolated.
If your negative feelings are intense, you are feeling overwhelmed, or a few weeks have passed without relief, trust yourself and seek help. Don’t feel ashamed -- taking proper care of yourself is an essential piece of caring for your baby. Consulting with a therapist does not mean you are a “failure” or that you will be in therapy “forever.” Often, even a few sessions can help a pregnant or new mom to feel a bit of relief.
Signs that you may be experiencing depression and/or anxiety include:
How does therapy work?
As a psychologist who has worked with many new parents, I understand the range of emotions that new mothers often feel. Therapy involves helping mothers talk about and understand the sources of their disturbing feelings, as well as coming up with immediate, practical, creative interventions to help ease suffering. I also use my knowledge of early child development and mother-infant interactions to help parents feel more confident, connected, and in-tune with their babies. I work collaboratively with medical professionals and family members, as needed, to provide the optimal treatment team.
What if I don't have time for therapy?
When we feel overwhelmed, finding time to help ourselves can seem impossible. However, making time to problem-solve with a therapist can help you in making life feel more manageable. If childcare is an issue, you are also welcome to bring your baby along to sessions, and this can, in fact, enhance treatment. The aim is to quickly help you find a plan that works for you.
Up to 1 in 5 women experience significant anxiety and/or depression during pregnancy or after giving birth.
You are not alone, and with proper treatment you can feel better. Feelings such as sadness, anxiety, doubt, obsessing, disconnectedness, regret, and guilt are all common during this highly emotional time.
Not only can transitions be difficult, but hormonal changes, lack of sleep, physical discomfort, and lack of autonomy can all exacerbate the negative feelings that some new parents have. Further, expectations that you “should” be overjoyed and “treasuring” these moments, can further complicate the picture, making your sadness and negative feelings seem even more intolerable.
When should I get help?
Don’t be ashamed of getting help.
80% of new mothers experience postpartum blues in the first few weeks after having a baby and up to 20% of women have mood disturbances during pregnancy.
Reaching out to friends, family, or even a therapist when feeling distressed is an important step to ensuring that you receive the support you need so that you don’t become isolated.
If your negative feelings are intense, you are feeling overwhelmed, or a few weeks have passed without relief, trust yourself and seek help. Don’t feel ashamed -- taking proper care of yourself is an essential piece of caring for your baby. Consulting with a therapist does not mean you are a “failure” or that you will be in therapy “forever.” Often, even a few sessions can help a pregnant or new mom to feel a bit of relief.
Signs that you may be experiencing depression and/or anxiety include:
- Crying and Tearfulness
- Irritability
- Change in Appetite
- Insomnia/ Exhaustion
- Scary/ Upsetting Thoughts
- Feelings of Incompetence
- Apathy Toward Your Baby
- Fear of Being Alone
- Panic
- Guilt
How does therapy work?
As a psychologist who has worked with many new parents, I understand the range of emotions that new mothers often feel. Therapy involves helping mothers talk about and understand the sources of their disturbing feelings, as well as coming up with immediate, practical, creative interventions to help ease suffering. I also use my knowledge of early child development and mother-infant interactions to help parents feel more confident, connected, and in-tune with their babies. I work collaboratively with medical professionals and family members, as needed, to provide the optimal treatment team.
What if I don't have time for therapy?
When we feel overwhelmed, finding time to help ourselves can seem impossible. However, making time to problem-solve with a therapist can help you in making life feel more manageable. If childcare is an issue, you are also welcome to bring your baby along to sessions, and this can, in fact, enhance treatment. The aim is to quickly help you find a plan that works for you.