Are you feeling down or depressed–crying more than usual since having your baby?
Are you worried that something bad is going to happen?
Do you feel like you are out of control or “going crazy”?
Many women experience these symptoms and other distressing symptoms during pregnancy and following the birth of a baby. You may be feeling guilty that you should be feeling excited and happy about having a baby but just don’t. You just cry and cry at the slightest little stress. Or maybe you notice that you are much more irritable or angry than usual. You might experience major disruptions in sleep or appetite. Or you may even thinking about harming yourself or your baby. If you are having some of these symptoms, the important thing to know that you do not have to suffer in silence–you are not alone. You can start feeling more like yourself again with treatment and support for postpartum depression and anxiety.
Depression and anxiety symptoms during and after pregnancy are much more common than you may think. While some women may experience the blues, almost 15% of women will experience significant depression during or following pregnancy. Nearly 10% of women will have anxiety symptoms either with or without depression. Some women only experience depression/anxiety symptoms following the birth of their first child, while others may not experience it until subsequent pregnancies.
Postpartum Depression
So it is the postpartum blues or is it depression? Many women will experience a short period of “blues” following childbirth that does not interfere with their ability to function and lasts only one to two weeks. In this case, the symptoms will usually go away on their own. However, Postpartum Depression symptoms are debilitating, last for many weeks or even months, and will not go away on their own. Getting treatment is very important for both the mother and the child’s health.
While every woman may experience depression differently, some signs that you may have Postpartum Depression are:
- Crying frequently for no clear reason
- Significant difficulty functioning in daily tasks
- Extreme feelings of guilt, fear and worry
- Loss of pleasure in usual activities
- Extreme fatigue and feeling slowed down or sluggish
- Difficulty concentrating and confusion
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Lack of interest in the baby or difficulty bonding
- Extreme anxiety about the baby
- Fear or thoughts of harming self or the baby
If you are having any of these symptoms, it is important to speak up and reach out for help. Many doctors and pediatricians routinely screen new mothers for Postpartum Depression, so do not be afraid to let them know what’s happening. They can connect you to trained counselors who can provide treatment and support.
Anxiety After Your Baby is Born
In addition, sometimes women may experience extreme anxiety during and following childbirth. Anxiety symptoms may occur on their own, or often times, anxiety symptoms accompany depression symptoms. Just like depression symptoms, these signs of anxiety can be debilitating and interfere with a woman’s ability to function in day to day tasks.
While symptoms vary from woman to woman, a few signs of Postpartum Anxiety are:
- Intense physical signs of anxiety, such as nausea, dizziness, hot flashes, rapid heart rate and shortness of breath
- Constant worry about everything, especially the baby
- Rapid thinking or racing thoughts
- Restlessness or inability to sit down
- Disturbances of eating and sleeping
- Constant worry that something bad is going to happen
Just like Postpartum Depression, these symptoms can be debilitating, preventing women from leaving the house or connecting with sources of support. Women can become withdrawn, isolated, and unable to perform important daily tasks. If you are experiencing any of these signs, you do not have to keep suffering–counseling can help!
Counseling can help with Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety
Our trained and experienced counselors at Wellview Counseling have helped many women struggling with depression start feeling better and feeling like themselves again. With support, you can get back on your feet and enjoy life. Our counselors will meet with you and get to know you. They will work with you to help you and your loved ones to understand what is happening. Then, they will collaborate with you to develop a plan for treatment.
Treatment for Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety may include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). CBT is an evidenced-based approach to treating symptoms of depression and anxiety, and it works equally well for women with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. In addition, your counselor may suggest joining a support group for new moms or even a postpartum support group locally. While CBT and support groups may be enough for some women, other women may need the additional support of medication. Your counselor will work together with your doctor to find a safe medication for you, even if you are breastfeeding.
Our Roswell counseling office is family-friendly, so you are welcome to bring your baby with you.
We also have online counseling services available to “meet” you where you are.
Begin Counseling for Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety in Roswell, Georgia today
You do not have to suffer with Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anxiety. Counseling can help restore your wellbeing and begin enjoying life with your new baby. Wellview Counseling has caring therapists who specialize in Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety. To receive support on your parenting journey at our Atlanta area counseling office, follow these three steps:
- Give us a call or email us using our contact form to request an appointment.
- We will help you arrange an appointment to meet one of our trained professionals.
- Start your journey to feeling better and connecting with your baby and family.
Other Counseling Services at Wellview Counseling
Postpartum Depression counseling isn’t the only service we provide. Wellview Counseling supports the whole family from youngest to oldest, including play therapy for your little ones, social skills groups for kids, teen counseling, young adult therapy, family therapy, and parent support group. We provide anxiety treatment as well as treatment for trauma recovery.