Therapy for Postpartum Depression
As a Perinatal Therapist, I see a lot of mothers who are struggling with Postpartum Depression. Postpartum Depression can look different in each mom- for some it is filled with more anxiety, for others it’s a feeling of overwhelm and hopelessness, and others report a lack of feeling and general sense of disconnection. Postpartum is also very common, with 1 in 5 moms experiencing it.
That early time with your baby is a lot and many moms try to “ride out” these struggling feelings in hopes that they will feel better. For some moms, it does get better after a couple weeks and they were likely experiencing the Baby Blues. For others, they don’t get better and find themselves further suffering. It’s very important to seek out support if you think you might be struggling with Postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression is treatable and you can feel better. Read on to learn more about Therapy for Postpartum Depression.
Understanding Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that affects many women after childbirth. It's more than just feeling a little overwhelmed or tired. It typically includes an overall depressed mood and can interfere with daily activities and make it difficult to bond with your baby.
Symptoms of postpartum depression can include:
Emotional symptoms:
Persistent sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest in activities
Irritability or anger
Feeling anxious
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Physical symptoms:
Fatigue
Changes in appetite
Sleep disturbances
Aches and pains
Headaches
Cognitive symptoms:
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Excessive guilt or shame
Feeling overwhelmed or inadequate
It's important to note that postpartum depression can vary in severity. Some mothers may experience mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms.
It's also important to know a difference between postpartum “baby blues” and postpartum depression:
Postpartum baby blues are common and typically last for a few days to a week after childbirth. They involve feelings of sadness, anxiety, and mood swings. These feelings can come up suddenly and they also tend to go away. These feelings align with some big hormonal changes that happen in the days after giving birth and typically will even out as your body adjusts to your hormonal changes.
Postpartum depression is a more serious condition that can last for weeks or months. It involves persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life and it typically doesn’t go away without some sort of intervention such as treatment and/or additional support.
If you're experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, it's important to seek help. There are helpful treatments available, including therapy and medication. Don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist or your healthcare provider.
At Happy Moms Therapy, we often see moms that are now 1 to 2 years postpartum but are still experiencing depression and anxiety. A lot of them will report that they believed they had Postpartum Depression after their baby was born but never sought out help.
The Benefits of Therapy for Postpartum Depression
Therapy can be a powerful tool for overcoming postpartum depression. It provides a safe and supportive space for moms to express their feelings, understand the underlying causes of their depression, and develop coping strategies.
Here are some of the key benefits of therapy for postpartum depression:
Emotional support: Therapy offers a compassionate and understanding environment where moms can share their experiences and feelings without judgment. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Identification of underlying causes: Therapy can help identify the underlying causes of postpartum depression, such as hormonal changes, stressful life events, or unresolved trauma. By understanding the root causes, moms can address these and develop more effective coping strategies.
Development of coping skills: Therapy can teach moms valuable coping skills, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and problem-solving strategies. These skills can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Improved relationships: Postpartum depression can strain relationships with partners, family, and friends. Therapy can help improve communication and strengthen these relationships.
Enhanced self-esteem: Therapy can help boost self-esteem and confidence, which can be particularly important for moms who are struggling with feelings of inadequacy or guilt.
Reduced symptoms: Therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of postpartum depression. It can help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and increase energy levels.
Improved bonding with baby: Postpartum depression can make it difficult to bond with your baby. Therapy can help address any feelings of guilt or shame and facilitate a stronger mother-baby connection.
If you're struggling with postpartum depression, therapy can be a valuable tool. It's important to find a therapist who specializes in postpartum depression and is able to provide you with the support and guidance you need.
What to Expect in Therapy for Postpartum Depression
Therapy for postpartum depression can vary depending on the therapist's approach and your individual needs. However, there are some general things you can expect:
Initial Consultation
Assessment: The therapist will likely conduct a thorough assessment to understand your symptoms, medical history, and family history.
Goal setting: Together, you'll establish specific goals for therapy, such as reducing symptoms, improving mood, or strengthening relationships.
Ongoing Sessions
Exploring feelings and thoughts: Therapy sessions will provide a safe space for you to express your feelings and thoughts about your experiences.
Understanding the causes: Your therapist will help you explore the underlying causes of your postpartum depression, such as hormonal changes, stressful life events, or unresolved trauma.
Developing coping skills: You'll learn various coping skills, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, self-compassion, and problem-solving strategies, to manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Improving relationships: Therapy can help address any challenges in your relationships and provide strategies for improving communication and connection.
Addressing any concerns or questions: Your therapist will be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about therapy or postpartum depression.
Types of Therapy for Postpartum Depression
There are several types of therapy that can be used to treat postpartum depression, including:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This therapy focuses on identifying and challenging negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT): This therapy focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and addressing any conflicts or difficulties that may be contributing to depression.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): This therapy is often used to treat trauma and can be helpful for women who have experienced birth trauma or other traumatic events from their past that may be impacting them now as a mom.
Remember, therapy is a collaborative process. Your therapist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.
Finding a Perinatal Therapist
Finding a qualified perinatal therapist who specializes in postpartum depression is an important step in your recovery journey. Here are some tips to help you find the right therapist:
Ask for Recommendations
Healthcare provider: Your doctor or midwife can often recommend perinatal therapists in your area.
Friends and family: Ask friends and family members who have had experience with postpartum depression for recommendations.
Online communities: There are many online communities and support groups for postpartum depression. Other moms may be able to recommend therapists they have found helpful.
Do Your Research
Online directories: Look for online directories that list perinatal therapists in your area. Some websites may allow you to search for therapists based on their specialties, insurance acceptance, and location.
Professional organizations: Check the websites of professional organizations such as the Postpartum Support International (PSI).
Consider Your Needs
Specialties: Look for a therapist who specializes in postpartum depression or has experience working with women who have experienced birth trauma (if that is your need).
Insurance: If you have insurance, make sure the therapist you choose is in-network or ask about using out-of-network benefits.
Location/Online: Consider the therapist's location and how convenient it is for you to get to their office or ask about Online appointments if that works better for you.
Approach: Think about the type of therapy you prefer. Some therapists may specialize in a particular approach, such as CBT or EMDR.
Schedule a Consultation
Initial meeting: Schedule a brief meeting with the therapist to discuss your needs and see if you feel comfortable working with them.
Ask questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions about the therapist's experience, approach, and fees.
Remember, finding the right therapist is a personal decision. It may take some time to find someone who you feel comfortable and connected with. Don't be afraid to try different therapists until you find the one that's right for you.
Anna’s Story: Experience with Postpartum Depression and How She Recovered
Anna* came to me 3 months after the birth of her first baby. Anna described her birth as being “more difficult and traumatic” than she expected. Anna was induced and was in labor for over 40 hours, with the different interventions provided by her doctor not seeming to help. She reported that her doctor was dismissive of her concerns and her husband just “went along” with the doctor. Anna eventually had a C-Section. Anna’s baby required a short stay in the NICU due to some complications.
After Anna and her baby went home, Anna expressed feeling very guilty that she “failed” her baby during birth. She also found herself feeling overwhelmed, with lots of crying fits, and just feeling “far away from myself.” Anna was already exhausted from the night wakings with baby, but even when her baby was sleeping she was constantly checking on her and would have constant worries, including intrusive thoughts, stuck in her head that made sleeping difficult. Anna reported she had little appetite but would try to make herself eat to keep up with the breastfeeding demands. Anna would resort to “quick-fixes” which often included more snack foods, baked treats, and fried foods. Anna expressed often feeling lethargic and had little energy.
Anna also reported a huge strain in her relationship with her husband. She had previously felt that they had were connected and communicated well, but now they were constantly bickering. She also found herself keeping track of how much more she was doing compared to her husband which led to her feeling resentful of him. She expressed that “a lot of his life remained the same but every part of my life has been turned upside down.”
In therapy, we first looked at Anna’s sleep and made a plan for how she could get better and more sleep. Sleep is imperative for our wellbeing and lack of sleep can really amplify feelings of depression and anxiety. This meant that Anna had to start communicating better to her husband about her needs and ask more clearly and specifically for help. In therapy we went over ways she can do this. Anna was able to talk to her husband and they made a plan to start to share the night waking load more which allowed Anna to sleep better.
Due to Anna’s birth experience and the high level of guilt Anna was still experiencing over it, we decided to use EMDR for therapy. Anna was able to process through her birth experience and got to a place where she was able to appreciate herself and her body for what she went through to ultimately deliver a healthy baby.
In therapy, we also identified some other needs of Anna’s including time for herself, engaging in more exercise/movement, and having a more shared level of responsibilities with her husband. With coaching in therapy, Anna was able to share with her husband about the Mental Load and they were able to come up with some better solutions to the many new tasks that having a baby brought. Anna also started to take daily walks and would have a weekly time for herself which she would use to read, spend time with friends, or just go out on her own without an agenda.
After four months of therapy, Anna reported feeling a lot better. While she at times still struggled with the balance between motherhood and herself, she felt that she had a better overall understanding of herself and strategies to better support herself. Anna continues to attend therapy on an every other week basis as she finds it helpful to continue to talk through things that come up and in being proactive for her overall wellbeing.
*names and identifying information has been changed for confidentiality
Key Takeaways on Therapy for Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that affects many women after childbirth.
Therapy can be a powerful tool for overcoming postpartum depression.
Therapy provides emotional support, helps identify underlying causes, and teaches coping skills.
Finding a qualified perinatal therapist is important for your recovery journey.
Don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist for help.
Seeking help for postpartum depression is a courageous step, and it's important to know that you're not alone. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to address your symptoms, develop coping strategies, and improve your overall well-being.
By working with a qualified perinatal therapist, you can learn valuable tools to manage your postpartum depression and build a stronger, healthier life for yourself and your family. Don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist today and take the first step towards recovery.
Disclaimer: This is not a replacement for a therapeutic relationship or mental health services. This is for educational purposes only and should be in used only in conjunction in working with a licensed mental health professional. If you are in California and looking for a professional therapist feel free to use the contact me to request an appointment or search Psychology Today for local therapists in your area.
