Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: Support and Treatment for New Mothers
Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety are common mental health conditions that affect up to 1 in 6 new mothers.
Many women experience both postpartum depression and anxiety simultaneously, making the emotional and psychological challenges of new motherhood even more overwhelming. If your symptoms have persisted for more than two weeks and are interfering with your daily life, you may be experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety. Seeking treatment is an important step to support your recovery and regain emotional strength so you can fully embrace the joys of motherhood.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression can occur at any time within the first year after giving birth. Common symptoms include feeling overwhelmed, excessive guilt, difficulty bonding with your baby, poor appetite, sleep disturbances, irritability, sadness, crying, emotional numbness, in severe cases, thoughts of harming yourself or others. If you experience thoughts of harming your baby, it is critical to seek professional postpartum therapy immediately.
Therapy for postpartum depression can provide you with the support and coping strategies needed to manage these difficult emotions and begin your recovery journey.
Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety
Postpartum anxiety often accompanies postpartum depression, or it may occur independently. Symptoms of postpartum anxiety include persistent worry, intrusive thoughts (such as fear of harming your baby), racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, constant pressure to stay busy, a pervasive sense of dread or fear that something bad will happen.
These symptoms can significantly affect your ability to enjoy your new role as a mother and can prevent you from fully bonding with your baby.
How Therapy for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Can Help
Therapy for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Through evidence-based therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment
Therapy (ACT), new mothers can learn healthier ways of thinking and coping with the stressors of motherhood. These therapies help you build emotional resilience, set realistic expectations, and develop coping strategies to manage anxiety and depression in a way that aligns with your values and goals as a mother.
Postpartum counseling is essential for supporting new mothers in adjusting to life after childbirth, promoting postpartum healing, and improving overall mental health.
Virtual Therapy for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
You can access therapeutic support without leaving home via virtual therapy sessions available through the online telemedicine platform.
You can fill out the contact form or if you prefer you can text to schedule you can reach us at Call us at: 941-702-4752.