POSTPARTUM SUPPORT: POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION COUNSELING AND POSTPARTUM ANXIETY THERAPY
As a new mom, you often find yourself wondering if you are doing it right.
It feels like you've had this baby forever. But, also, you're still not sure if this is all real. How did they let you bring this tiny human home? Long nights of trying to nurse are way hard than expected. And, even the thought of moving to formula leaves you feeling like a horrible mother. Maybe, you feel disconnected from your baby. Wondering if you are even meant to be a mother. Of course, you have tried everything to be happy during this “special time”. But, find yourself fearful, lonely, exhausted, and unsure.
Is motherhood supposed to be this scary?
What if these feelings aren’t as uncommon as you thought? What if you had a trained, caring person to support you through the questions and the joy of new motherhood? We want you to know you are not alone. Did you know that 1 in 7 moms (1 in 10 dads) experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy or the postpartum time? Here are just some of the most common symptoms of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety:
Symptoms of Perinatal Mood Disorders
Brain feeling foggy
Feeling depressed or void of feeling
Feelings of hopelessness
Trouble concentrating
Lack of interest in baby
Feeling anxious our panicky
Feeling angry or irritable
Not being able to sleep when baby sleeps
Extreme worries or fears
Flashbacks or shame regarding pregnancy or delivery
Scary and unwanted thoughts
Needing very little sleep while still functioning
Feeling the urge to repeat certain behaviors to reduce anxiety
The scariest version of this is postpartum psychosis, which is an actual break in mental capacity. If you think that this is what you or or loved one is experiencing, please call a crisis line right away. One option is the Postpartum Support International line (1.800.944.4773).
Are some mothers at higher risk of postpartum depression?
In addition to ALL of this, we also know that some people are at a higher risk to experience postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and/or postpartum OCD than others. Of course, these are going to have a lot of variation in the way they affect your life. Some people might have one or more of these and never experience difficulties that require more postpartum support. So, please discuss these with your therapist or primary postpartum care provider.
Risk Factors
History for depression or anxiety
Challenges with breastfeeding
History of intense PMS: Including PCOS, Endometriosis and other uterine complications
Relationship issues, including communication problems, impending divorce or domestic violence
Single mother or single parent
No or little support from friends or family during the postpartum period
History of bipolar disorder
Pregnancy or infant loss, including miscarriage and abortion
Traumatic pregnancy, labor and or birth
History of sexual trauma or abuse
Teen mom
Financial struggles
History of diabetes or thyroid issues
History of psychosis
Of course, you can’t get all of the answers you’re looking for on a website. That’s why we would love to talk with you, or encourage you to talk with your medical care provider. If you are wondering if you might have postpartum depression, you can take a postpartum mental health screening online. You could also learn more about the symptoms and risk factors associated with perinatal mental health issues.
Need Postpartum Support? Reach out to someone now. You are worth it.
If you have any of the symptoms above, you might benefit from speaking with your medical provider or reaching out to a mental health therapist for support. We also know that many parents experience birth trauma, which could have an impact on your postpartum season and parenthood. So, we offer trauma therapy to new parents as well. You don’t have to suffer through motherhood!
“In giving birth to our babies, we may find that we give birth to new possibilities within ourselves.”
– Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn
At Bridger Peaks Counseling, we have clinicians trained specifically to support mothers and fathers during pregnancy planning through postpartum. We take a holistic approach to understanding you and your family and help you navigate the ups and downs. If you would like support or could use guidance about connecting with other resources, contact us today.
Begin Postpartum Depression Therapy at Bridger Peaks in Bozeman, MT
Your life has changed forever. But, parenthood doesn’t have to be this hard. Through therapy, we will explore this new normal together. Our expert postpartum support therapists are here to help you at our Bozeman, MT trauma counseling clinic. To get started with postpartum depression counseling with Bridger Peaks Counseling simply:
Meet with one of our caring Bozeman therapists
Begin to live life with your baby in a new, beautiful way
Additional Therapy Services and Workshops for Parents in Bozeman, MT
In our Bozeman, MT counseling clinic, our therapists can help you through a number of issues including anxiety, worry, stress, depression and more. Our caring team of therapists and professional mental health staff are here for you and your loved ones. Visit us for addiction treatment, group counseling sessions, and EMDR for trauma therapy. We can also assist with body image counseling, opportunities to explore coping patterns, marriage counseling and couples therapy, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, mindfulness training, workshops and more tools for client education. If you need more support along with counseling we also provide psychiatric care and medication. We look forward to talking with you soon!