As many as 1 in 5 women develop Postpartum depression and/or anxiety. Symptoms can begin during pregnancy and/or up to one year after giving birth.
I have a passion for supporting women in this transition and hold a course certificate in Maternal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International.
Common symptoms include:
Depressed mood or severe mood swings
Excessive crying
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Fear that you’re not a good mother
Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
Withdrawing from family and friends
Problems with sleep or appetite
Intense irritability or irrational anger
Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, or inadequacy
Difficulty in thinking clearly, concentrating, or making decisions
Severe anxiety or panic attacks
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Thoughts of death or suicide
These are the ways I hear my clients describe their experiences:
"I feel like I should feel happy right now … but I’m not.”
“I feel like I’m not the mom I should be.”
“I’m not liking being a mom right now and I feel scared to tell anyone that.”
“I worry constantly about something going wrong and feel on-edge around everyone.”
Postpartum depression/anxiety is a temporary and treatable condition. Therapy can offer you compassion, normalization and strategies during this time. You do not have to do this alone.