For new moms, it can be upsetting and frightening to have feelings about motherhood that don’t seem “right.”
For some women, a morning run, a healthy diet and receiving help and support from family and friends are sufficient enough to get through the initial adjustment period. For others, talking to a therapist who specializes in dealing with new motherhood issues can be comforting, relieving and enlightening.
Therapists who have extensive education and training in post-partum disorders understand that hormone changes, personal and family history, and social support are all vital factors in understanding and alleviating postpartum symptoms.
Common postpartum symptoms include:
- Feeling overwhelmed and wondering if you should have become a mother in the first place
- Feeling guilty due to high self-expectations
- Not feeling “bonded” with the baby
- Your thoughts are racing and you can’t quiet your mind
- Feeling empty and numb as if you’re just going through the motions
- Lack of focus and concentration
- Being afraid that if you reach out for help, others will judge your inabilities
- Thoughts of running away or leaving your baby behind
- Being constantly in a state of worry
If one or more of the above symptoms resonates with you, we invite you to contact with us today. Together, we’ll find the underlying issues that make you feel disconnected from your baby, and create a strategy for moving forward. Contact us today to see how we can help.
The Difference Between the “Baby Blues” and Postpartum Depression
Having a baby is a source of joy, but there’s no denying that it can also be one of the most stressful life events. From the lack of sleep to feelings of sadness over the ways your body and life have changed, it’s normal to feel down even while everyone is celebrating. The question is, at what point do the “baby blues” become something much more serious?
Most mothers — about 50-75% of them — experience baby blues, while 15% of new mothers have postpartum depression (also known as postnatal depression). Baby blues are often caused by hormonal changes that can lead to more crying or anxiety than usual. However, this usually goes away after 2 weeks. Baby blues is a temporary condition that doesn’t usually cause lasting problems.
Postpartum depression can make you feel sad and empty at the same time. You might feel like you don’t love your baby. If you don’t get help, these feelings can last weeks, months or even years. Talking to a friend or family member can help, but we suggest you speak with a mental health professional to get the right assistance — especially the coping skills you need — to overcome it.
Does Postpartum Depression Go Away on Its Own?
Women with postpartum depression may have postpartum anxiety, panic attacks and other depressive symptoms that can become a long-term problem. Common postpartum depressive symptoms include loss of energy, extreme anxiety, insomnia and excessive crying. If you have some of the physical and behavioral symptoms listed above, seeking professional help is recommended.
Without treatment, postpartum depression can last for years and may cause other problems, including chronic medical conditions.
Factors That Increase Your Risk of Postpartum Depression
If you’re a single mother who doesn’t have enough social support, you may experience postpartum depression. You may also be at risk if you have a family history of depression or if you’ve been having marital issues. If the pregnancy was unplanned, that can also increase the risk of postpartum depression. You may also experience this form of depression if you’re a younger mother or your baby has special needs.
Please get professional help if you’re constantly sad about having a baby or feeling empty most of the time. Watch out for any changes in your appetite or focus. You may have postpartum depression if you find it difficult to concentrate or if you excessively worry about things. If you feel like you don’t want your baby, get treatment right away. Don’t wait for the problem to become more serious; professional counseling can help.
Benefits of Counseling for New Mothers
Untreated postpartum depression can lead to other problems, including the inability to properly care for the baby, moodiness and a lack of insufficient energy to focus on your child’s needs. If you don’t get help, your baby may also be affected, resulting in the development of behavior or language problems. Get in touch with a trained professional for the management and treatment of postpartum depression.
While it helps to talk to friends and family members, getting professional counseling is more beneficial. A trained counselor doesn’t just treat your behavioral and physical symptoms, they can also help you to improve your overall well-being. Counseling for postpartum depression helps new moms deal with stress more effectively and ensure that they have the right coping skills to effectively manage the symptoms of postpartum depression. Depending on your symptoms, the therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy or medications.
Seek help if you find completing everyday tasks is a burden or overwhelming. If you don’t have interest in your baby, we suggest you see one of our counselors as soon as possible. Get Centered Counseling focuses on helping our clients improve their mental health and create strategies for coping with various challenges. Get in touch with us today if you have panic attacks or other common symptoms of depression.