Therapy in Chester and all of NJ
Is having a baby not what you expected?
Are you feeling overwhelmed, sad or depressed?
Are you having difficulty bonding with your baby?
Having upsetting thoughts that you cant' get out of your head?
Are you ashamed or embarrassed about your feelings?
You always thought the the birth of a baby is "supposed to be" a joyful experience. You, like many other women have been looking forward to be being a mommy since you were a little girl. Unfortunately though, your pregnancy, birth or postpartum period is not living up to your expectations.
Many women experience mood changes following the birth of their baby which is often called the "baby blues". Due to hormonal changes, symptoms are mild and may include crying, feeling overwhelmed, and fatigue. These symptoms last no more than 2 days to 2 weeks.
However, 10 to 25% of women develop more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety during the perinatal period. The term "perinatal" refers to the time period when a women is pregnant and/or up to one year after childbirth.
Some symptoms of postpartum depression you may be experiencing include:
- anxiety or feeling overwhelmed
- sadness, and crying
- lack of feelings toward baby
- inability to take care of self, baby or other children
- Loss of interest, joy, or pleasure
- mood swings
- anger and irritability
- social isolation
- guilt or shame
- change in appetite and/or sleep disturbances
- thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Although the term "Postpartum Depression" is often used to describe Perinatal Mood Disorders, there is actually a spectrum of other disorders that can affect mothers during this time. They include:
- Postpartum Panic Disorder
- Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Postpartum Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Postpartum Psychosis
Without appropriate intervention, Postpartum Depression and other Perinatal Mood Disorders can have long term adverse implications for the mother and baby. It can also indirectly affect her husband/partner and put a strain on their relationship and the entire family.
Mothers with Postpartum Depression and/or other Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders need to know:
"YOU ARE NOT ALONE"
"YOUR ARE NOT TO BLAME"
"WITH HELP YOU WILL BE WELL"
For information about postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders
Please contact Risa Simpson-Davis, LCSW
732-742-0329
[email protected]
HOW STIGMA AND SOCIAL MEDIA EXACERBATES POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Welcoming a new life into the world is often celebrated as a joyous occasion, but for many new mothers, the postpartum period can be a challenging and emotionally tumultuous time. Unfortunately, the pervasive influence of social media and the persistent stigma surrounding mental health issues only serve to worsen the struggles faced by those experiencing postpartum depression.