Postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD
Postpartum depression, anxiety and other perinatal mood complications are a lot more common than most of us know. Postpartum depression affects up to 1 in 5 new mothers. You may feel that something is just not right or that you are not yourself anymore. You thought this would be a time of pure joy, but no one seems to understand how hard it really is every day.
You hoped it would get better on its own, but it’s just not going away.
You might be feeling extremely lonely or perhaps you are so exhausted, you feel like you can’t make it through. You may be having trouble sleeping or simply not able to get out of the house. Perhaps you are feeling guilt or grief and you don’t know why.
You’ve begun to notice the impact of these feelings and you’re not sure what to do.
Anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum OCD
Perinatal mood challenges don’t always look like depression. Some parents feel constant worry during pregnancy. Others have sudden, unwanted thoughts after the baby arrives, often about the baby’s safety, and feel driven to check, avoid, or seek reassurance. This is known as postpartum or perinatal OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). These thoughts are more common than most people realize, and having them does not mean you would act on them. I treat pregnancy anxiety and postpartum OCD as well as postpartum depression.
Treatment
You can feel better. Postpartum depression is very treatable. Postpartum depression counseling can give you the coping tools to feel relief and find confidence in yourself. Therapy is effective in dealing with feelings of loss of self and the difficult transitions related to motherhood.
As a therapist certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C), I treat postpartum depression, anxiety during pregnancy and after birth, and postpartum OCD. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and, for OCD, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). These are time-limited, well-researched therapies. I can help you learn to feel like yourself again. My approach is compassionate and strength-based, not patronizing. It’s a collaborative process and we will determine treatment goals together.
It might feel impossible, but you CAN feel like yourself again.
FAQs
Q: Do I just have the Baby Blues?
A: The Baby Blues are a very common period of mood swings after childbirth. You might feel happy one moment, then sad, then cry for no apparent reason. You might feel irritable, restless, anxious, and lonely. The Baby Blues last for up to 2 weeks after giving birth. If you are still not feeling right more than 3 weeks (or more) after childbirth, please call for an evaluation.
Q: What are Postpartum Depression sessions like?
A: Sessions are 45–50 minutes, in person at my Fairfield office or online by secure video. You can bring your baby with you to the session.
Q: How long do I need to be in therapy for Postpartum Depression?
A: This varies. Treatment is time-limited and can last between 12 and 20 weeks. Some people choose to continue counseling longer, but we will always reevaluate to collaboratively determine progress and establish goals for therapy.
Q: How do we get started?
A: Call for a free phone consultation to learn more and determine if you are ready to begin counseling.
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.