Welcoming a child into the world can be one of life’s most exciting milestones for many couples. That being said, a significant life transition like becoming a parent doesn’t come without its challenges.
While it’s an incredibly special time in a person’s life, protecting one’s mental health during the early stages of new parenthood is vital — especially for mothers. Postpartum depression is not at all uncommon, and unfortunately, diagnoses of the condition are on the rise. A recent analysis of patient data from Kaiser Permanente Southern California revealed the rate of new mothers being diagnosed with postpartum depression more than doubled from 9% to 19% between 2010 and 2021.
The good news? For new moms who are experiencing postpartum depression, a full recovery is possible; therapy is just one of the tools they can use to manage their symptoms so that they and their families can thrive. Wondering if postpartum counseling is right for you or a loved one? Here’s what to consider.
How can women protect their mental health after baby arrives?
A woman’s mental health may be at risk following the birth of her baby, so it’s important for both mothers and loved ones to watch for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression.
For many new mothers, challenges following childbirth may be no more than the “baby blues,” which typically begin a couple of days after baby arrives and do not last longer than two weeks. According to March of Dimes, the baby blues are estimated to burden up to 80% of new mothers, with signs and symptoms including:
- Sudden, unexpected crying
- Changes to mood
- Restlessness or anxiousness
- Irritability or lack of patience
- Not feeling quite like yourself
For a mother who is experiencing the baby blues, Meridian Psychiatric Partners’ Karolina Lieponis, LCSW, says the openness to lean on others for support — whether it be friends, family members or informal or organized support groups for new mothers — can be incredibly helpful for those navigating this difficult stretch.
“Although sadness from baby blues feels isolating and can be somewhat scary, it is quite a common experience,” Lieponis explains. “Speaking to other mothers about their experiences can help to normalize these uncomfortable feelings.”
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Looking for counseling during the postpartum stage? Learn more about Meridian’s Reproductive Psychiatry Division today
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Is it baby blues or postpartum depression?
If feelings of sadness persist for longer than two weeks, though, it may be postpartum depression. According to the Cleveland Clinic, common symptoms and signs of postpartum depression include:
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness or sadness
- Changes to or loss of appetite
- Lack of energy and motivation
- Sleeplessness or oversleeping
- Suicidal ideation or thoughts of harming your baby
If you are concerned about the above signs or symptoms from yourself or a loved one, it may be time to seek professional help for postpartum depression.
How to find the right support for postpartum depression
Making the decision to pursue postpartum counseling is an important first step to getting the right care to protect the health of mother and baby. By finding the right therapist, you can ensure a positive experience that meets your expectations.
Before getting started with therapy, mental health professionals recommend considering the following questions to ensure a good match:
- Would sessions be covered by insurance, or require self-pay?
- What are the therapist’s credentials?
- Are you comfortable with the manner in which they communicate?
- Are they culturally competent?
- Do they offer the therapeutic modality that best fits your needs?
In her own approach to postpartum counseling, Suzie Condon-Paskiewicz, LCSW, CCM, PMH-C, clinical director of Meridian’s Reproductive Psychiatry Division, largely draws upon the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) modality. The CBT-centered approach is all about making sure “new moms are having compassion for themselves, setting realistic expectations and giving themselves permission to ask for help,” she explains.
With a strong support system at home and the guidance of a dedicated perinatal mental health professional, new mothers impacted by postpartum depression can ensure a healthy, well-adjusted life for themselves and their families.
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Concerned that you or a loved one are experiencing postpartum depression? Discover more about Meridian’s Reproductive Psychiatry Division now
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Can postpartum depression affect dads?
The significant life changes that unfold after welcoming a child into the world aren’t exclusive to birthing parents; partners are impacted, too.
“Dads and partners of new moms are often affected both by their own feelings about life change, lack of sleep and shifting priorities, but often feel helpless if their partner is suffering from depression, “ Condon-Paskiewicz explains.
Although postpartum depression is most commonly associated with mothers, fathers can also suffer from the condition themselves. According to a recent survey, 9% of fathers were impacted by postpartum depression, with another 12% saying both they and their partner struggled with the condition.
Knowing the risks, Condon-Paskiewicz emphasizes just how important treatment is for protecting the health of the entire family during this critical time. “If one or both partners are having mood changes, this can trickle down and can affect the care of older siblings, which is why help and support is so important,” she says.
Get started with postpartum counseling in Chicagoland today
Giving patients access to exceptional postpartum depression support is one of our leading priorities here at Meridian.
Meridian’s Reproductive Psychiatry Division is one of the largest of its kind in Chicagoland. Our multidisciplinary team of nearly 25 perinatal mental health professionals is made up of both psychotherapists and psychiatrists, with most psychiatrists having underwent fellowship training in maternal mental health. Many providers have received their Perinatal Mental Health Certification from Postpartum Support International as well.
In speaking to Meridian’s multidisciplinary approach, Aparna Chatterjee, MD, medical director of the Reproductive Psychiatry Division, describes herself as a “strong believer in working collaboratively to manage” symptoms of peripartum depression and anxiety.
If you’ve been considering postpartum counseling for yourself or a loved one and are ready to learn more about getting started, Meridian has immediate openings at our five Chicago-area offices, as well as online. Find out more about working with the dedicated experts in our Reproductive Psychiatry Division today.
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