Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders encompass a variety of symptoms and are common among new and expecting mothers. The good news is that these disorders are treatable and temporary.

If you believe you may be struggling with a pregnancy or postpartum related mood disorder, its important that you seek help for your own well-being as well as the wellbeing of your children and family.

How therapy can help:

1. Creating a safe space. Therapy allows for a safe space to talk about how you are feeling without judgment. We know how debilitating perinatal anxiety and depression can be, which is why we start by addressing those symptoms that are keeping you from feeling comfortable and confident.

2. Understanding your specific risk factors for Postpartum Mood Disorders - We will help you get past the “why me” as together we will explore the hormonal, psychosocial, and biological factors of what may be causing and sustaining your diagnosis.

3. Learning practical coping skills. When you are armed with practical coping skills to manage feelings of anxiety and depression, it becomes easier to recognize and challenge negative thoughts that are keeping you stuck and miserable.

What are the treatment options?

At Thrive Postpartum, Couples, and Family Therapy, our therapists are trained to utilize the latest research to tailor evidence-based therapeutic interventions specific to your individual diagnosis. By considering the risk factors as well as symptoms, we are able to personalize our approach to your unique needs and goals. This helps us determine whether it might be wise to refer you to a reproductive psychiatrist to receive medication in addition to the specific practices we will teach you to help care for yourself.

The primary approaches we use are Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help with bonding and attachment. Studies have shown that mothers who receive CBT or IPT treatment are 39 percent less likely to develop postpartum depression.

• IPT focuses specifically on the interpersonal stressors and changes that can arise during pregnancy and after childbirth. It’s an effective, evidence-based approach that can drive fast, lasting results. As part of our work together, we can help you find a community of new mothers, learn how to talk to your partner about dividing responsibilities, and recognize interpersonal stressors so you can better take care of yourself.

• CBT is a scientifically validated approach for treating depression, and it has been shown to be effective in the treatment and prevention of postpartum depression. By incorporating CBT into our work together, you can recognize how your mood is affecting your perceptions and behaviors. When you learn to challenge negative thinking, you can reduce internal sources of stress and improve your ability to cope with feelings of anxiety or depression.

In addition to IPT and CBT, we will work with you to help establish healthy routines around diet, exercise, and sleep. Maintaining your physical wellbeing can help reduce the chances of developing or worsening postpartum depression. We also encourage your partner or your biggest support person to join sessions to aid in your recovery. We believe it is important to educate and support your loved ones as well to help them cope with the changes this life transition brings.

At Thrive Postpartum, Couples and Family Therapy, we’ve been helping new and expecting mothers understand and cope with fears and parenting exhaustion for years, and we’ve seen that no matter how overwhelmed you may feel right now, there is a path forward, and things will get easier. By working with a pregnancy and postpartum therapist, you can settle down into your new routine and begin feeling like yourself again.

Getting started

Our therapists are available seven days a week to help new and expecting mothers. To schedule an appointment, our team can be reached by text or phone at 224-698-9792. Alternatively you can also schedule an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you are not in the immediate vicinity and are looking for a therapist trained in treating perinatal anxiety and mood disorders please go to https://psidirectory.com to find a skilled therapist near you!

If you are hearing or seeing things that others can’t, or if you experience periods of confusion, memory loss, or mania, please seek immediate medical attention. These may be signs of postpartum psychosis, a rare but serious treatable condition.