Did you just have a baby and feel like you’re in a rut? 

• Do feelings of guilt and sadness consume you?
• Have you lost interest in the things that used to bring you joy?
• Have you been feeling like you’re failing as a mom or wonder if you’re doing enough?
• Do you feel like you don’t have a bond with your baby?
• Have you experienced excessive stress and worrying?

Having a baby is a beautiful thing, something you’ve been looking forward to for the past 9 months. You get them home, mentally prepared for sleepless nights and a bit of stress, but a few weeks have passed and you’re starting to experience a sadness that just won’t go away. The dream you had of what it’d be like to have a baby, isn’t your reality and you can’t figure out why. You don’t feel the joy, or happiness you imagined you would,  instead you’re constantly stressed, worried, and sad throughout the day. Even though you know it should be a joyous time you just don’t feel it, and the sadness or worry you feel is affecting your ability to get up, take care of the baby, and do everyday tasks like take a shower and brush your teeth. While it may seem like nothing you do will help, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and you can overcome it. 

Many New Moms Experience Postpartum Depression and anxiety

The birth of your baby can trigger a range of powerful emotions, from happiness and excitement to worry and stress – but the one emotion no one expects is depression. Many new moms experience what is called “baby blues” which includes mood swings and crying spells, but it typically only lasts a couple of weeks. Many moms mistake postpartum depression for the baby blues, but the biggest difference is that postpartum depression is a long lasting form of depression. Without treatment it can’t last for months, potentially years.

According to the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), almost 15% of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth, which equates to about 1 in 7 women.There isn’t one specific thing that can cause this form of depression, it’s typically influenced by both your physical and emotional state. Symptoms can start before giving birth or come along as long as a year after giving birth. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Excessive crying
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• The inability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
• Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
• Depressed mood or severe mood swings

Not only can postpartum depression and anxiety impact your ability to connect and bond with your baby, but it can disrupt your other relationships as well – including your partner, family, and friends. The constant and overwhelming feelings of sadness can cause you to isolate yourself. You may feel like no one understands you which makes you want to be alone or you may feel guilty for being so down all the time, so you remove yourself so you won’t be considered a burden. It can be hard to communicate what you’re feeling or why, so it’s just easier not to talk.

Postpartum anxiety is an emotion that many women experience as well, it’s severe anxiety that happens after giving birth or becoming a parent. Your worries tend to take over all of your thoughts and it can seem impossible to calm them. Even though you realize that your fears may be irrational and the events you’re worried about are less likely to happen, you just can’t shake them. While postpartum anxiety and depression are different they can overlap.

Whether it’s your first child or your seventh, you can experience postpartum depression or anxiety, and while there may be nothing you can do to prevent it, you can certainly take steps to overcome it. 

Postpartum Therapy Can Help You Heal

All moms go through challenges when dealing with a newborn, including trying to juggle emotions they may not be familiar with. There’s no need to be ashamed or feel bad for feeling the way you do. At Jenkins-Richardson & Associates we have therapists who are dedicated and passionate about helping you overcome postpartum depression. Whether you’ve been experiencing symptoms for the last year or just a month or two, our therapists are here to help.

We’ll be the listening ear you may feel you don’t have. We want you to tell us everything you’ve been feeling, what you’ve been experiencing, and how it’s impacted you. We are completely judgment free, so there’s no need to feel bad about what you discuss with us – in fact the more open you are, the better we can help.

Therapy is not “one size fits all,” and we realize that each individual will have different experiences that need to be approached and addressed differently. Our team will take the time to make sure that we develop a strategy that will help you both in the present and the future.

We’ve treated plenty of moms who’ve experienced postpartum depression, and we’re confident we can help you as well.

But You May Still Have Questions About Postpartum Therapy

How do I know if I have postpartum depression?

One of the biggest implications is the time you’ve been feeling sad. Many new moms experience “baby blues” after giving birth, but it typically doesn’t last longer than a few weeks. Postpartum depression however is typically long term. If you’ve been feeling down for more than a couple weeks and you’re unsure if you have postpartum depression, feel free to schedule a consultation.  What if therapy doesn’t make things better? Counseling isn’t something that can immediately make things better after a few sessions. Attending therapy is more to help you figure out what you’re feeling, navigate what you’re going through, and come up with solutions to any problems you’re facing. If you feel things aren’t improving even after using the tools and solutions, we come up with, continue to attend, and we’ll figure it out together.

I Think Counseling Could Help, But I’ve Heard That It  Can Be Expensive?

At JRACC, we accept various types of insurance. Don’t hesitate to contact our office or check out our contact page to learn if we accept your insurance. 

You Can Find Peace Of Mind

If you would like to schedule an appointment or discuss any questions you may have regarding college counseling, we are available at 205-722-7294 or send us a message.