Postpartum Counseling
Perinatal Mood Disorder:
Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety
Understanding the signs and symptoms of a Perinatal Mood Disorder such as Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anxiety are important in getting the appropriate help. Many new Moms have bad days or experience the “baby blues”, but Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety are not just bad days. Women with Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anxiety experience the following symptoms most of the time, for a period of at least 2 weeks. These symptoms interfere with daily life enjoyment and activities.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a Perinatal Mood Disorder, please call to speak with one of our Therapists at 954-951-2929 today, there is Hope and Help available.
Postpartum Depression Symptoms
If you have had a baby within the last 12 months and are experiencing these symptoms you may have
Postpartum Depression:
- Overwhelmed: Feeling like you can’t handle being a mother, wondering whether you should have become a mother in the first place.
- Guilt: Believing you should be handling new motherhood better and your baby deserves better. Feeling shame.
- Disconnected: Not feeling the happiness or connection that you thought you would. A lack of bonding with your baby.
- Angry: Feeling irritated, angry, annoyed, resentment or even out of control rage.
- Empty: Feeling empty, numb or disconnected. Just going through the motions of life.
- Sad: Feeling sadness beyond typical “baby blues”
- Hopelessness: Felling like it will never get better. Extremely confused and scared.
- Afraid: Feeling like you will never be yourself again and that others will judge you. Scared you may hurt yourself or your baby.
- Appetite: No appetite, or eating all the “wrong” things.
- Insomnia: Can’t sleep, even when baby is sleeping and you are exhausted.
- Brain Fog: Lack of concentration and focus.
Postpartum Anxiety Symptoms:
If you have had a baby within the last 12 months and are experiencing these symptoms you may have Postpartum Anxiety:
- Excessive Worries and Fears: You feel extremely worried all the time. You are constantly questioning yourself. You feel a sense of dread.
- Can’t Stop: You feel like you have to be doing something at all times. Racing thoughts. Can’t quiet your mind, settle down, or relax.
- Disturbing Thoughts: You are having scary thoughts. These thoughts may start with the words “What if …”
- Physical Symptoms: Backaches, Headaches, Shakiness, Panic Attacks, Stomach aches, and/or Nausea.
- Appetite: No appetite, or eating all the “wrong” things.
- Insomnia: Can’t sleep, even when baby is sleeping and you are exhausted.
Treatment:
Postpartum Depression and Anxiety are temporary and treatable. Medication, psychotherapy, support groups, or a combination of talk therapy and medication are all fitting types of treatments. Individual Counseling, Couples Counseling, Family Therapy, Group Therapy and Medical Family Therapy are all appropriate forms of psychotherapy in the treatment of Perinatal Mood Disorders and are all available at the Counseling and Wellness Center of South Florida.
Staci Lee Schnell, M.S., C.S., LMFT is a member of Postpartum Support International please call
954-951-2929 to speak with Staci or one of our other Therapists today.
Risk Factors:
- Personal or Family history of Depression or Anxiety
- History of severe PMS or PMDD
- Chronic Pain or Illness
- Fertility Treatments
- Miscarriage
- Traumatic or Stressful Pregnancy or Birthing Experience
- Abrupt Discontinuation of Breastfeeding
- Substance Abuse
Important: If you are experiencing moments where it seems like you can see or hear things no one else can, if you are feeling paranoid as if others are out to get you, or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, it’s important to reach out for help right now. These symptoms require immediate medical attention as you could be experiencing Postpartum Psychosis. If you have these symptoms, your illness has the potential to take over and lead you to do things that you wouldn’t normally do. In order to avoid that it is important to reach out for help right away so that trained professionals can help you get stabilized and healthy. There are countless women who have had postpartum psychosis and recovered 100%.
EMERGENCY: 911
South Florida Crisis Intervention: Dial 211
SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)