Postpartum Anxiety Counseling
Are you feeling on edge, worried, or like you have a short fuse?
Do you find yourself crying and overwhelmed a lot?
Do you feel, irritable, exhausted, or filled with intrusive thoughts?
This is normal.
You are not alone.
We can help.
Postpartum anxiety is common and treatable. You can and will feel better!
Postpartum anxiety and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are the most common complication during the pregnancy and postpartum periods. More common than gestational diabetes. More common than preeclampsia. These things get so much attention in the medical world – and they are not even the biggest health disparities mothers face.
7-10% of parents will experience postpartum anxiety, and 15-20% will experience some form of a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. There are multiple types of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more.
85% of parents will experience emotional distress after bringing a new baby home. The hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum are the BIGGEST hormonal change a woman will ever face in her life – more than puberty, more than menopause.
To take things a step further...
Untreated postpartum anxiety lead to long-term implications for both the mother and the baby. Oftentimes maternal illness starts during pregnancy, which can lead to low birth weight, feeding and sleep challenges, difficult temperament, difficulty regulating emotions, and more. As the child grows up, unmanaged maternal illness is correlated with difficulties developing interpersonal relationships, higher rates of behavioral problems, learning disabilities, lower IQs, and more.
For the mother, unmanaged mental health during pregnancy is associated with higher risks of preeclampsia, preterm labor, and social withdrawal, among other things.
Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety:
Postpartum anxiety is the second most well-known perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, second to postpartum depression. Alongside postpartum anxiety or depression, parents can also experience postpartum panic disorder, postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder after having a baby. Oftentimes, the symptoms of these various mental illnesses can overlap and run concurrently.
Sometimes, these different mental illnesses become best friends during the postpartum time frame, amplifying your symptoms and feeding from one another. Whether you are a seasoned or new parent, this can be scary, overwhelming, and debilitating. You might find yourself experiencing:
- Near-constant worry that cannot be eased
- Feelings that something bad will happen
- Intrusive thoughts that are upsetting and persistent
- Fears of being left alone with your baby
- Physical symptoms, such as gastrointestinal upset or lack of appetite
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping when the baby sleeps
Maybe you are also experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder, such as:
- Excessive crying
- Irritability and anger
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- “Baby blues” that do not get better
- Lack of interest in things you previously enjoyed
- Persistent doubts about your ability to care for your baby
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
Our approach to Postpartum Anxiety Therapy
First and foremost, we want you to know that the postpartum anxiety that you are experiencing does not define you as a person or as a parent. Secondly, we want you to know that you are not alone, and there are many parents feeling similar things right now. You will not feel this way forever, and you will start feeling better soon. Through therapy, you will develop the tools, skills, and knowledge you need to feel confident and empowered in your mental health as you journey through the postpartum season.
Our perinatal therapists use a combination of evidence-based therapeutic methods to best meet the individual needs of our clients. Through these methods, you will learn to connect your thoughts, feelings and actions and see the impact each one has. We will learn and process through your relationships, identifying both the helpful and unhelpful components. You will also learn skills and practical tools to utilize to clear your mind and relax your brain and body. We’ll discuss all things relating to motherhood, parenting/adjustment to parenting, loss, expectations, boundaries, and more. We will collaboratively develop a treatment plan that is unique to you, your symptoms, and your goals.
Not sure if you are ready for postpartum anxiety counseling yet?
We get it – therapy can feel both overwhelming and intimidating! At River Root, our therapists are big supporters of coming as you are, whether that be in your sweatpants or with tears streaming down your face. Whether we are meeting in our office in Uniontown, Ohio or via telehealth, know that we understand the value of your time, and will help you with practical tools for you to feel better and have symptom relief. Therapy is an investment in yourself, and a process in which you will learn and grow as an individual. Whether you just had your baby, are a seasoned parent, or something else, we are happy to support you and provide effective, fun, and compassionate counseling for you and your concerns. We can set up an appointment for you to begin postpartum anxiety counseling or any perinatal mental health counseling needs today, no matter where you reside in Ohio.