If you’re a new mom or have recently given birth to a child, you may be wondering if what you’re experiencing is the typical baby blues or if it’s something more. Understanding the symptoms of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety can help you figure that out.
What Are The Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?
According to Postpartum Support International, approximately 15% of women experience significant depression within the first 2 years of childbirth. Some of the most common symptoms of postpartum depression include:
- Feelings of anger or irritablity
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Lack of interest in your baby
- Sleep and/or appetite changes
- Frequent crying and sadness
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
- Possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek help right away. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24/7.
It’s normal to feel sad, moody, or angry after having a baby. Your hormones are adjusting to all of the physical changes of giving birth and not to mention you are adjusting to a sudden change in your daily routine! But if these symptoms last more than 2 weeks, they are probably more than the baby blues that many women experience after childbirth.
What Is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is typically characterized by:
- Constant worry
- Feeling that something bad is going to happen
- Racing thoughts
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Inability to sit still
- Physical symptoms like: dizziness, hot flashes, or nausea
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms and they’re making it hard for you to take care of yourself or your baby, you may have postpartum anxiety.
We Can Help
You may feel like things are never going to get better, but you aren’t alone. There is hope! Recovery from depression and anxiety is possible! Contact us to schedule a free 10 minute phone consult to see if you’d like to work with Patrice.
Services
Individual Counseling
Patrice Payment, LPC, PMH-C offers traditional talk therapy using a client centered and cognitive behavioral approach. She wants her clients to learn helpful strategies that they can take home and use in their daily lives to manage stress and anxiety.
Groups
We’re currently offering a postpartum therapy group for moms on Wednesdays at 10am. Click here for more info and to register.
Parent Coaching
Patrice is a former Registered Play Therapist and a mom of two. Her training in child and adolescent behavior as well as her personal experience has well equipped her to teach effective positive parenting strategies.
OTHER RESOURCES
OVERCOMING POSTPARTUM ANXIETY
Patrice Payment, LPC lists 6 of her top tips for moms who are experiencing postpartum anxiety.
NAVIGATING MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH
Includes resources for moms to help navigate depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Schedule a free 10 minute phone consult
