Alexis was relieved that (what she thought would be) the hardest part was over. She always joked about how she’d be the unlucky mother stuck in labor for 20+ hours—but this turned into her reality. Finally, her stubborn daughter Brianna arrived. Alexis stared at her in awe, tears in her eyes. It was all worth it… just like her mother said it would be.
Unfortunately, this overwhelm of love and joy didn’t last for long. In fact, within a few days of leaving the hospital, Alexis felt a load of indifference take over. She felt detached from her newborn and struggled to keep up with the commitment. Anytime Brianna cried, Alexis grew annoyed rather than concerned. Even her loved ones took notice… Alexis was different. The excitement she felt in the days prior to the birth of her baby was long gone, replaced with apathy.
Alexis developed postpartum depression. And she’s still working to manage the harmful symptoms that accompany the illness, she realized there was a problem and got the help that she needed in counseling. Now, she’s a happy new mother taking parenthood day by day. If you’re experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, you can find healing too. The counselors and therapists at Thriveworks Marietta are skilled and experienced—not to mention they sincerely care about your health and wellbeing. Reach out today to get started with mental health help.
What Is Postpartum Depression? What Are the Symptoms?
As displayed above, postpartum depression can be extremely troubling as it brings with it many harmful symptoms. Those who experience postpartum depression often feel down and hopeless or disconnected after giving birth or in their last trimester. Additionally, they can experience the following:
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Sleep issues
- Inability to focus
- Worthlessness
- Suicidal thoughts
When it comes to the baby, mothers (and sometimes fathers) with postpartum depression might feel uninterested or extremely worrisome. Furthermore, they might be unable to care for their baby or be scared to be left alone with their baby. Generally speaking, they experience negative feelings toward their baby, which they can’t seem to resolve.
Fortunately, postpartum depression counseling can help you to understand and manage these harmful symptoms. The counselors at Thriveworks Marietta are eager to help you through this difficult time—they want to accompany you to a happier, healthier life as you take on parenthood.
How Does Postpartum Depression Counseling Work? What Should I Expect?
So, how exactly does counseling for postpartum depression work? This form of counseling relies on talk therapy. Basically, your counselor will ask you about your life—the symptoms you’re experiencing and your day to day—and once you answer (honestly), they’ll create a treatment plan that will best help you. This will likely include discussing how you can benefit from making certain changes like breaking bad habits. That said, clients in counseling for postpartum depression counseling often talk specifically about the following:
- Your feelings. How have you been feeling, both physically and emotionally? What symptoms of postpartum depression have you been experiencing?
- Your beliefs. Are you convinced that you aren’t a good mother? Do you believe you’re doomed as a parent for eternity, or are you optimistic about the future?
- Your behavior. How have you been acting? Does your disinterest in your baby keep you from meeting their needs?
- Your history. Can you think of any details from your past that might be contributing to your postpartum depression?
- Your hopes. Where do you hope to be a few weeks, months, years down the road? What’s your vision of an ideal future?
Once your counselor understands you and your specific illness better, you and your counselor will be able to work together to change the harmful thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to your postpartum depression. Depending on symptoms and severity, counseling could last for a few weeks, a few months, a year, or longer. It’s important you seek counseling as soon as possible so you can heal as soon as possible.
Schedule a Session at Thriveworks Marietta Today
Postpartum depression can be scary, troubling, and harmful—but the good news is that it’s treatable. And there’s help near you. If you think you might be dealing with postpartum depression, consider working with a counselor or therapist at Thriveworks Marietta. Our providers are the very best, as they’ve gone through extensive training and have years of experience under their belt. In addition, they care about you and where you’re going; they want to ensure that you’re on a path toward health and happiness.
To schedule a session at Thriveworks Marietta, all you have to do is give us a call at (404) 439-9981. We look forward to setting up an appointment and meeting with you soon!
