POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION THERAPY & POSTPARTUM ANXIETY THERAPY
Becoming a mother may be one of the most difficult yet transformative moments of your life. There’s nothing that can really prepare you for all the adjustments you’ll go through while stumbling into parenthood. There are times when everything feels right, but there are also those times when everything seems wrong and feel like you’re failing. We understand, Mama. You’re not alone.
Unfortunately, many mothers silently endure their feelings and only realize later that something wasn’t right. Some attribute it to sleep deprivation while other mothers think it will eventually pass. Others simply don’t know where to get help if they need it. If they do try to speak up, often times they are left feeling unimportant or unheard by their health care provider. We’re here to offer the help you need to start enjoying motherhood.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is a form of depression that can affect women immediately after childbirth or months and years later. It’s more than just the “baby blues” and can cause serious emotional, physical, and behavioral changes in a new mother. Postpartum depression is often underdiagnosed because it can be masked by the joys and challenges of early motherhood. About 1 in 5 mothers struggle with postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety symptoms.
It’s crucial to comprehend that many women rapidly experience emotional changes, physical alterations, and hormonal imbalances after childbirth. These drastic hormone changes can start immediately post-birth, when a woman stops breastfeeding, during menstruation, and perimenopause. Some people are more sensitive to these fluctuations which leads to symptoms like this are painful and disconcerting. Add on top of that sleep deprivation and unstable emotions, you have the makings for a difficult experience.
Some women experience postpartum depression and anxiety for weeks after, while other mothers can experience symptoms for months or even years. Many women struggle in silence feeling shameful they feel this way or that they’re a “bad mom”. We’re here to tell you that you’re not a bad mom, you’re just going through a hard time and you need extra support to help you through.
Signs of Postpartum Depression:
- Crying often
- Feeling down most of the time
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Significant changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Intense irritability or anger
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or inadequacy
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Persistent thoughts of death or suicide
- Intrusive thoughts
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, please reach out to a postpartum depression therapist near you. Postpartum depression is treatable and you don’t have to suffer through it alone. The sooner you seek out help, the better you’ll begin to feel. Staying in silence does not make these symptoms go away.
What is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is a type of anxiety that can occur right after childbirth or can stay around for weeks, months, or years. It’s often referred to as the “anxiety of motherhood” and can be just as debilitating as postpartum depression. Postpartum anxiety can cause mothers to obsess over their baby’s safety, have difficulty sleeping, and feel like they’re not good enough. Postpartum anxiety is different from postpartum depression in that it causes less sadness and more worry. Postpartum anxiety is just as serious as postpartum depression and seeking out a postpartum anxiety therapist has shown to help alleviate symptoms.
Signs of Postpartum Anxiety:
- Excessive worry about your baby or fear of something bad happening
- Guilt of failing as a mother
- Inability to relax or stay calm
- Difficult racing thoughts
- Having a hard tome focusing or concentrating
- Insomnia, afraid of going to sleep in case something happens
- Excessive need for control
- Physical symptoms like heart palpitations, dizziness, or nausea
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, please reach out to a postpartum anxiety therapist in Tampa. Postpartum anxiety is treatable and you don’t have to suffer through it alone. The sooner you seek out help, the better you’ll begin to feel. Staying in silence does not make these symptoms go away. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Postpartum Anxiety has shown to be very effective at finding relief for moms and dads who are struggling during this time.
How Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help Postpartum Depression?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can be used to treat postpartum depression. CBT focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to your depression. It can help you learn how to better cope with the challenges of motherhood and develop healthy coping skills.
CBT has been shown to be an effective treatment for postpartum depression, helping mothers feel better both emotionally, mentally, and physically. In one study, CBT was found to be more effective than antidepressant medication in treating postpartum depression. If you’re struggling with postpartum depression, we encourage you to seek out a qualified CBT therapist near you. Postpartum depression is treatable, and there is no shame in seeking help. With the right treatment, you can feel like yourself again and enjoy this special time with your new baby.
Why am I experiencing postpartum depression?
Becoming a parent can bring you face to face with aspects of yourself that you have neglected or didn’t know existed. It may also remind you of past traumas or difficulties. It connects you strongly to your own parents and forces you to look at your relationship with your family of origin, whether it be good or bad memories. Unprocessed issues may arise, and you might say, “I never wanted to be like my mother,” but I’m starting to seem like her.” Postpartum symptoms may be a way of your body and mind letting you know that some inner personal work needs to happen.
In addition, postpartum depression is often caused by hormonal fluctuations. After childbirth, there is a rapid decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and irritability. These hormone fluctuations can also cause changes in sleep, energy levels, and appetite. Postpartum depression may also be caused by thyroid problems, which are common after childbirth. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to seek out a qualified postpartum depression therapist near you.
Benefits of Postpartum Depression Therapy:
- Feeling like you can enjoy life and bond with your baby
- More stable mood, less unexplained crying
- Start thrive during this season of your life
- Begin feeling like yourself again
- Wanting to connect with friends and family
- Feeling more comfortable in your body
- Improved sleep
- More calmness
- Better concentration and mental clarity
- Less intrusive thoughts
- The ability to focus on other things besides the thoughts and feelings that are consuming you
- Feeling like you have your life back
Postpartum Depression Therapist in Tampa
Working with a trained postpartum depression therapist can help you get relief. Being supported during all stages of parenting is crucial for the mental health of both parents and their children. The support you receive from friends and family can be helpful, but it might not be enough in some areas. You may feel like you can’t tell your friends and family how you’re really feeling, which can leave you without the emotional support that you need.
This is where therapy can be helpful. Hanson Complete Counseling, we are passionate about offering support to Moms and Dads that feel like they might be struggling with Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety, or major life changes on becoming a parent.
We offer in-office counseling and online counseling for you and your significant other from the comfort of your own home with online therapy.