Metro Atlanta Postpartum Therapy

For many women, having a child is one of their most incredible and fulfilling experiences. The amount of love that is experienced by a mother for her child is incomparable. And while some mothers experience the joy of motherhood both immediately and consistently after delivering a baby, this is not true for all mothers. In fact, data shows that approximately one in 10 women experience postpartum depression after giving birth.

If you think that you may be experiencing postpartum depression—or if you are the spouse or close loved one of someone who you believe is suffering from postpartum depression—it’s important to seek help. At CNSL, our psychiatrists provide postpartum counseling support. Reach out to us today to learn more.

What Is Postpartum Depression? 

After delivering a baby, a woman’s hormones go through a process of stabilization. If the woman is breastfeeding, this process may not truly complete itself until breastfeeding is finished. When a woman delivers the placenta after delivering her child, though, there is a major change in hormones, primarily progesterone and estrogen.

The emotional change can lead to some tearfulness, moodiness, and anxiety about being a new mother. But when these emotions and behaviors are elevated and prolonged, they are characterized as postpartum depression. Postpartum depression symptoms include:

• Intense and severe mood swings
• Crying too much
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Feeling hopeless or worthless
• Severe panic attacks or anxiety
• Thoughts of self-harm or harm to the baby

Again, having some crying, feelings of being overwhelmed, sadness, irritability, or mood swings is considered normal and often called “baby blues.” Postpartum depression means experiencing the symptoms above for two weeks or more after delivery.

Postpartum Psychosis 

Another postpartum mental health concern that’s not talked about as much is postpartum psychosis. While very rare, postpartum psychosis is severe. Usually developing within a week after delivery, symptoms include feeling confused and lost, feeling paranoid, hallucinating, delusional thoughts, obsessive thoughts about the baby, and attempting to harm oneself or one’s baby.

Get Help Immediately 

Both postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are very serious mental health conditions that need to be treated immediately. Whether you are experiencing one of these conditions yourself or are the loved one of someone who is suffering from postpartum depression or psychosis, you need to take action as soon as possible. Postpartum depression and psychosis can be dangerous for both mom and baby; in rare cases, the consequences can be tragic. In addition to psychiatric therapy, medication may be used to treat these conditions, depending on their severity.

Call CNSL Today 

At CNSL, we know that feeling anything but elated after having a baby can be stigmatized and may lead to feelings of shame and guilt. Our therapists are here to reassure you that what you are going through does not make you a bad mother and is something that is very normal. What’s more, there is help available. To learn more about our therapy services for postpartum mental health conditions, including both depression and psychosis, as well as general anxiety or other mental health support, call our team today or send us a message online at your convenience. We are here for you.