Frequently asked questions
Finding the right therapist is not always easy, and lots of questions can pop up when starting the process. Below are some of the most common topics, and always feel welcome to reach out for any information that can help make the process easier.
Therapy can feel daunting, even for a seasoned pro! If you are on the fence, we can schedule a 15 minute call to see if it is a good fit free of charge.
Postpartum depression looks different for everyone. For some, it looks like endless days and nights where everyday feels like Groundhog Day and it can be hard to remember the last time you took a real shower. For others, it is trying to control every last hair on your head in hopes no one notices that you are a crumbling Jenga tower inside.
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Whatever it looks like for you, there are several key indicators that are commonly experienced by those experiencing postpartum depression. These include:
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Trouble sleeping (even when you are off baby duty)
When you are able to get some rest, you still feel exhausted afterwards
Trouble feeling connected to your baby
Thoughts that seem to stick and are hard to shake, especially ones that cause you to feel like you are a bad mom or that you are not able to get through this
Feeling isolated and alone
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This is a list of common symptoms, but is not meant to be a strict checklist. We all have good days and bad days, and some of these things may feel more intense than others. If you recognize some of these experiences and/or feelings, know that it is not your fault and there is effective and supportive treatment available.
While the term "Postpartum Depression" can bring up thoughts of sadness and lethargy, it actually does cover anxiety symptoms as well. What experts used to refer to as Postpartum Depression has now evolved into the term Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (or PMADs for short), since there are lots of ways our mental health can be thrown for a loop during this often chaotic time!
Some of the most common PMADs include: Postpartum Depression (PPD), Postpartum Anxiety (PPA), Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder (BD) with a peripartum onset, and the extremely rare Postpartum Psychosis (PPP).
Postpartum depression can also look like racing thoughts, fears about something happening to the baby, or that heart pumping feeling when you feel like things are slipping out of control. ALL moms have these feelings and thoughts sometimes, but if they are getting in the way of you living comfortably there are many ways to find support.
Interested in learning more? Visit Postpartum Support International to learn more about all the nuances in perinatal mental health!
The "Baby Blues" are usually defined as the first two weeks after giving birth where the mama feels exhausted, irritable, teary, and more emotional than usual. The symptoms are very similar to those of postpartum depression, but typically go away after a couple weeks without any therapeutic intervention. Think of them as a transitional period where everything has been turned upside down and you are trying to figure out how all the pieces fit (while likely very sleep deprived)!
The Baby Blues are VERY common, and it is estimated that about 80 percent of women experience them.
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Once two weeks have passed, it is time to consider the possibility that postpartum depression may be present.
Whether you have been feeling this way for a couple days or a couple months, it is never too early to reach out for help! There is no timer or countdown that needs to click for you to get the care you need and deserve.
Absolutely not! No formal diagnosis is necessary, as long as you are experiencing depressive and/or anxious symptoms and either have a young baby or one on the way.
Absolutely! While the PMH-C certification is designed to cover pregnancy and infanthood, feel welcome to reach out if you have kiddos a little older too as toddlerhood also deserves specialized support!
What works for you works for me! For some, the time they spend in session is one of the only times they are able to step away and they may feel distracted if their baby is with them. For others, having their baby with them is more comfortable and/or finding reliable childcare is too challenging at the moment.
It also does not have to be all in or all out, and babies are always welcome to swing by for a snuggle or feeding!
Postpartum depression and anxiety can feel like a full pitcher that spills over, and can impact those in your corner. Including your partner in your mental health is usually encouraged, and can help build the support network you need to heal and thrive. While I do not provide direct couples therapy, I do encourage having your partner attend some sessions to help get on the same page if that is something you are interested in.
Some mamas have greatly benefited from medication, and some prefer to go without. I myself do not prescribe medication, but if this is something you are interested in I can help guide the way to include this in your care.