Healing after Birth: Finding Local Postpartum Depression Therapy
Welcoming your baby into the world is expected to be a time of joy, but it's also okay to acknowledge that problems with mood and postpartum depression can impact many new mothers and birthing people. It's VERY common to feel anxious or depressed (or both!) during pregnancy and postpartum and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety (PMADs) are the number one complication of childbirth.
Depression during and after pregnancy are common, yet many moms and birthing people don't recognize symptoms or know their own risk factors. As a new parent, it's n to natural to prioritize your baby's well-being, but it's crucial to prioritize your own mental health, too. In this article, I’ll provide information to help you understand the signs of postpartum depression, explore the benefits of counseling and therapy, and provide therapist tips for finding the support you need in Pasadena, California or your local area.
Learing Your Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression
As with any health issue, knowing when you’re at risk can protect your well-being. And when you’ve educated yourself about how to care for your mental and emotional health during pregnancy and postpartum, you’re able to recognize early signs and symptoms before the problem becomes overwhelming. This can be especially challenging during postpartum when you’re naturally prioritizing your baby’s needs, care and well-being. Focusing on how you’re feeling may seem counterintuitive, but research shows that your well-being supports your baby’s health, too.
There are a number of things that can increase your risk for postpartum depression. Knowing your risk factors can help you prevent anxiety and mood disorders by allowing you to act to take care of yourself before there is a problem. Risk factors include:
History of depression or anxiety
History of trauma, including childhood abuse and neglect, previous sexual assaults
Lack of social or family support
Previous miscarriages, still birth, newborn death
Complications during pregnancy or the birth process
Traumatic loss
Understanding postpartum depression
Postpartum depression is a complex and often misunderstood condition that can affect mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth. It’s not simply feeling down or having the "baby blues," but rather a more intense and persistent form of depression that often requires professional attention. Many things are believed to contribute to developing postpartum depression, including hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, lack of support and the overwhelming demands of caring for a newborn, in addition to a difficult pregnancy or childbirth experience.
Postpartum depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It’s a medical condition that requires understanding and support. The stigma surrounding mental health issues can make it difficult for new mothers to seek help, but acknowledging the symptoms and reaching out for support is the first step towards healing.
Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression is essential for early intervention. Symptoms may include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness, irritability, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite, and concerns about bonding with your baby. Some birthing people may also experience anxiety, panic attacks, or intrusive thoughts. Suicidal thoughts, however mild or passive, need immediate attention, and should not be minimized or dismissed. These thoughts may be difficult to talk about. If you’re feeling “my baby would be better off without me”, or having thoughts about your own death, don’t wait to reach out for help.
It's important to note that postpartum depression can look different in each individual, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. Understanding these signs will hopefully empower new parents to seek the help they need to feel well.
Importance of seeking counseling for postpartum depression
Perinatal therapy provides a safe space to express your feelings, learn new coping strategies for new parenthood, and work towards feeling more confident and at ease during postpartum. A therapist with specialized training and experience in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) can offer valuable support, guidance, and personalized treatment plans to address your unique needs.
Counseling also plays a crucial role in reducing the feelings of isolation and shame that often accompany postpartum depression. It allows space to explore your emotions and develop a deeper understanding of yourself, your new identity as a parent, and make sense of your experiences.
It’s important to know that you are not alone in what you’re going through, and that these issues are not only treatable, but preventable. One out of 7 women suffer from depression and anxiety during or after pregnancy. Counseling can help you in the following ways:
Learn new tools to support you in meeting the new challenges of parenting
Developing a preventive self care plan for pregnancy and postpartum
Strengthen your support system
Learn to ask for help and assert your needs
Learn self care and coping skills to minimize your risk and manage symptoms
Types of postpartum depression Therapy
There are various types of therapy approaches that have been found to be effective in treating postpartum depression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used approach that helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors and can help to build coping skills to better manage difficult emotions. Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving relationships and communication, which can be particularly beneficial for navigating changes in their roles and relationship dynamics. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that has been found to be effective in treating postpartum depression, disturbing experiences that occur during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as traumas that can resurface during the postpartum period. Additionally, some new parents may benefit from support groups where they can connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges.
Finding local postpartum depression Therapy services
Finding postpartum depression therapy services in your local area is an important step towards healing. Start by researching counseling centers, mental health clinics, and individual therapists who specialize in postpartum depression and perinatal mental health. You can also seek recommendations from your healthcare provider, friends, or family members who may have experience with counseling services.
It's important to consider factors such as the therapist’s experience and training, approach to treatment, and their ability to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Accessibility, including locationand the availability of virtual sessions, should also be taken into account. Here are a few resources to help in your search:
Postpartum Support International (PSI also offers many free online support groups as well as a therpist directory)
Maternal Mental Health Now
The Touchstone Institute Therapist Directory
Questions to ask when choosing a postpartum depression counselor
When reaching out to potential therapists, it's essential to ask specific questions to ensure that you find the right fit for your needs. Inquire about their experience in treating postpartum depression and their approach to your specific issues. Understanding their availability, fees, and the confidentiality of sessions will also help you make an informed decision.
Don't hesitate to ask about their qualifications, licensing, and any specialized training related to postpartum depression. Building a rapport and feeling comfortable with your therapist is key to establishing a trusting and effective therapeutic relationship.
