counseling for
postpartem
depression & anxiety
tulsa oklahoma
The challenges of becoming
a new mother can be overwhelming and full of surprises.
While every expectant mom has some idea of what to expect, it's rare for her to anticipate experiencing a postpartum disorder. The majority of women (about 85%) go through something called "baby blues" during the first few weeks after giving birth. It's normal to feel irritable, have sudden bouts of crying, worry, and restlessness during this period, and these feelings typically subside on their own without needing treatment.
In contrast, postpartum depression (affecting 10-15% of mothers) lingers beyond the time when the baby blues should have faded away. Symptoms usually emerge in the first three months after delivery, although they can start right after childbirth or even appear up to a year later.
are you noticing…
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
Feeling sad or easily irritated.
Excessive worry about your baby.
Experiencing panic attacks.
Not having much interest in or strong feelings for your baby.
Thoughts about harming the baby (it's important to discuss these with a doctor).
Fear of being alone with the baby.
Crying a lot.
Finding it hard to focus.
Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.
Frequently calling the pediatrician for reassurance.
Having racing or obsessive thoughts.
Hopelessness.
Thinkinga bout hurting yourself or ending your life.
The reality is postpartum
depression is more common than many new mothers realize and can be a part of life after having children. Hormonal changes and life events play a significant role in the development of postpartum depression, and sometimes medication is prescribed to help balance neurotransmitter and hormone levels.
Many women think they
can’t share their feelings with anyone because they believe no one can relate to what they're going through. They might feel like it's wrong to be sad when they should be happy during this time.
Mothers sometimes worry that if they talk about what they're experiencing, they'll be rejected or even lose custody of their children.
Even though these beliefs aren't true, they can feel incredibly strong and seem more real as time goes on."
In addition to medication,
counseling, nutrition adjustments, and lifestyle changes can help transform a challenging period into the joyful motherhood you had envisioned. Exhale Counseling and Wellness has counselors who specialize in working with individuals dealing with postpartum depression. These counselors assist mothers in letting go of feelings of anger and guilt while establishing a foundation for a healthy and positive parenting experience, guiding them through these tough times.
Counseling can also be immensely
beneficial for family members, particularly spouses. The mother might struggle to explain what she's going through due to the changes in her body, making it challenging for her partner to understand. Counselors are sensitive to the difficulties family members face during this period. Seeking support and understanding can benefit not only you but also the new mother.