Dealing with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
As a mom myself, as well as a therapist who specializes in working with moms, I know that the pregnancy and postpartum years can be tough for so many reasons. Hormonal changes, physical pain and recovery, impaired sleep, spousal conflict, and adjusting to major life change can make it difficult for moms to enjoy this time. Sadly, many moms suffer in silence because they feel embarrassed to reach out for help, unsure who to turn to, or as if they are simply supposed to have it all together. In fact, most mamas I work with in my therapy office in Yorba Linda or via online video therapy don’t know that the number one complication of childbirth is perinatal depression.
Perinatal refers to the time from conception through the first year after a baby is born. Even though we know that depression is the most common complication of childbirth, therapists also know that most women do not seek help. Studies tell us that 1 in 5 new moms will experience a mood or anxiety disorder during or after pregnancy. Sadly this number doubles for women of color. However, most new moms suffer in silence. So many barriers exist to keep moms from seeking help, including lack of resources, fear, not knowing where to turn to for help, or feelings of shame and guilt. It can be so scary to reach out for therapy during this particular season of life and most moms suffer for significant amounts of time before reaching out. When I first meet with moms, many of them tell me they waited to reach out for help because they thought they would get in trouble or might have their baby taken away from them. Women cry as they tell me they assumed things would be better by now, or that they’re afraid they feel this way because they’re simply “a bad mom.” Sometimes, women wait to reach out for help because they are so discouraged and tired that they believe nothing will help them feel any differently. These worries and negative thoughts are often symptoms of an overall struggle with anxiety or depressed mood. But the good news is that perinatal mood and anxiety issues are treatable. We know that with help, moms can heal, turn things around, and truly thrive in their parenting. One important step toward healing can be coordinating with a medical doctor as well as working with a mental health specialist in therapy. This is why I love working with pregnant and postpartum moms in my therapy office in Yorba Linda, or online through video therapy appointments. My goal is to meet them right where they are, wherever that may be in their parenting journey, and help them gain hope and find healing. Because of my dedication to moms and my desire to help them thrive in their own journey of motherhood, I am a proud member of Postpartum Support International (PSI), Mom Congress, and an advocate for moms in this beautiful, yet trying, season of life. PSI has many wonderful and free resources on their website, and over 50 online support groups for moms and dads. I encourage you to check them out if you or a loved one is looking to learn more.
As a mom myself, I know both the joys and the pains of motherhood. During my early weeks of first becoming a mother, I was tired, sleep deprived, and in physical pain (as most moms are) and I was given the opportunity to participate in a support group for new moms through the hospital where I delivered my son. This experience was life changing for me as I met with a small group of new mamas to process our experiences, tell our birth stories, lend one another support, and share in the struggle and joy of what we’d all just entered into. That group helped me see the beauty—and the tangible benefits—of leaning on other women in my own journey of parenting. It impacted my desire to create similar spaces of support and growth in my therapy practice with the women we serve at Lightway. In addition to working with pregnant and postpartum moms in individual therapy, we also offer a support and process group for new moms led by a mental health therapist. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this kind of group, we encourage you to reach out today to learn more about the group and how it can help. You can learn more about the group by contacting us through email or phone call.
I love working with moms in all stages of life because the truth is: Motherhood can always be tough. The hustle doesn’t seem to stop and the busyness feels unending. This is why even though I specialize in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, I also prioritize working with moms throughout Orange County from every stage of motherhood. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, at your wits end, and find yourself snapping at your kids, fighting with your partner, feeling unhappy, or regularly checked out, let’s work to get you back on track. If you’re struggling, I’d love to help you feel better and get healthier - for you and for your family.
Are you ready to begin therapy in Orange County or online via telehealth to address pregnancy, postpartum, or other issues related to parenting? Contact us today to set up a free phone consultation.