PostPartum Anxiety and Depression
Are you a new mother struggling with anxiety or depression during the postpartum period? Are you feeling on edge and overwhelmed?
Know that you don’t have to struggle alone - therapy during the postpartum months can make a real difference when it comes to your wellbeing and your relationship with your new baby.
The struggles of postpartum depression and anxiety
For many women, the period after birth is difficult and stressful. You try to listen to the advice of your doctor and sleep when the baby sleeps, but you might be restless or trying to finish work around the house, and by the time you finally fall asleep, it’s time to nurse again. As you fall into an anxious sleep, you dream the baby is sick or not breathing and you wake up in a panic. You look in the mirror and barely recognize yourself. You only vaguely remember a time when you felt strong and capable and independent. Thought like, “I can’t do this,” might be circulating, and you’re caught up in the cycle of guilt or shame for ever having them. Know that you’re not alone in these patterns of thinking! It’s completely normal to fear you’re not a good enough mother, but you don’t have to live your life as a slave to these kinds of thoughts.
Take care of yourself so you can take care of your baby
I understand how difficult it is to make to talk to a therapist or a friend when you barely have time to sleep or even shower, however, I’ve found that when you share what is in the darkest recesses of your mind, you find relief. And with that relief comes sleep, peace and greater feelings of self-confidence. By expressing and verbalizing your most painful emotions, these emotions become more manageable, and they’re not something that lurk in dark corners waiting to trap you in another cycle of shame.
My personal approach in therapy with new mothers is warm and collaborative and very based on your unique strengths and individual challenges. I provide compassionate and knowledgeable support so that you can work through negative, painful or shameful feelings and challenge the unhealthy thoughts that fuel your anxiety. I will support you in taking practical steps to relieve symptoms of postpartum anxiety and depression, so you can first take care of yourself and then increase your connection with your baby and your partner. As you begin to heal, you will discover meaning in your new role as a mother, connect with your inner strengths and wisdom, and recreate harmony and meaning in your life.