Get the Support You Need for Postpartum Depression with Counseling and Therapy at Right Path in Jericho, NY
A majority of women experience something called the “Baby Blues” in the days and weeks after having a baby. The combination of hormonal changes, lack of sleep, stress, and transition create a perfect storm that cause many women – and even some men! – to feel sad or down.
These “blues” may just go away on their own. But they may also be something heavier and more significant, known as “post-partum depression.” Get help for postpartum depression today by contacting the caring therapists at Right Path Counseling.
About Post-Partum Depression
Many people expect to feel elated after having a baby. But babies are hard. Childbirth and recovery is rough on the body. Babies require constant food and attention. Those first few weeks require a lot of work, and they’re still too young to provide the feedback (like laughing) that makes you feel like you’re doing a great job.
When you also add in the rapid and uneven hormonal changes that women experience after childbirth, you’re left with a high risk for developing postpartum depression. It is normal, common, and treatable.
Symptoms of postpartum depression include:
- Feeling sad or hopeless.
- Struggling to connect with the baby or “feel like a mom”
- Emptiness that may also lead to feelings of guilt.
- Irritability and mood swings.
- Low energy that is not explained by the lack of sleep.
- Less interest in the baby than you expect.
- Relationship issues and conflicts.
Guilt and shame are also very common symptoms of postpartum depression. PPD causes those symptoms directly, but also many people feel those emotions because they expected to feel thrilled after childbirth, and have guilt that they are not bonding with their child or appreciating the experience as much as they assumed.
But postpartum depression is very normal. As we discussed earlier, the “baby blues” happens to a *majority* of women, and while not all of them will develop post-partum depression, almost every woman is at risk – with as many as 20+% of all new mothers experiencing symptoms. PPD can be constant or only occur while breastfeeding or at night. Symptoms can also differ, and in some cases can be more severe.
Treatment for Postpartum Depression – Therapy and Counseling
Postpartum depression is difficult. But for most women – although not all – it will eventually go away on its own. So why should you receive therapy?
- It Doesn’t Always Go Away – Postpartum depression can still last for months or years, and there is no guarantee that it will go away on its own. There is no reason to suffer for years when there are therapists on Long Island trained to support you and help you recover faster.
- PPD is Traumatic – Many women that have overcome postpartum depression look back on that time as a sad, traumatic time that they still feel shame or guilt about. Some women even delay or stop having more children because they do not want to re-live their postpartum depression.
- Better Maternal Bonding – Children of parents with post-partum depression will still bond. But these moments are precious, and the earlier you address your PPD, the earlier you’ll be able to continue and enjoy maternal bonding.
- Stronger Coparenting Relationship – Postpartum depression can cause conflicts that may hurt a couple’s relationship. By responding to it sooner, there is less likely to be any experiences you two share as a couple that hurt your relationship in the long term.
- No Need to Wait – Postpartum depression responds very well to therapy, and so the time you spent struggling can be addressed earlier and give you a better quality of life.
It is also important to note that some women do experience chronic depression and anxiety as a result of their postpartum depression. Therapy can help prevent PPD from developing into any long term mental health challenges.
Why Choose Right Path Counseling in Jericho, NY?
Postpartum depression is treatable. But you have to work with the right therapists. Our counselors are caring, understanding, and experienced with new mothers that feel they are struggling with PPD. We adapt treatment options based on what makes sense for your struggles, because we also know that the causes and experiences people have with PPD can vary. From trauma to marital stress to emotional regulation, we want to make sure that we find solutions that fit who you are and what you need.
We are on Long Island, located near places like Plainview, Huntington, Hicksville, and Brookville. We also can match you to therapists that are best suited for your personality and needs.
Start the Process Today – Call Right Path Counseling
No one should feel like they’re struggling with PPD alone. Our therapists are available, and ready to accept new patients and start helping you address your postpartum depression. Please contact us today via our online form, or give us a call and let’s match you to a therapist that fits you.