Many women notice changes in their mental health after having a baby. It can happen for the first time with a first child, second child, third child, and beyond. A family or personal history of depression or other mental health issues that can make you more vulnerable. However, many women experience symptoms with no previous mental health issues. It’s completely out of the blue.
While postpartum symptoms generally start one to two weeks after giving birth, symptoms can develop a year later. You don’t need to be diagnosed with postpartum depression (PPD) to experience postpartum struggles that merit therapy. If you’re feeling down, anxious, or just not like yourself, that’s reason enough to reach out for help.
Many women find it difficult to talk about their emotions after giving birth. Society often paints motherhood as a happy time, leaving little room for more difficult feelings. You may feel embarrassed that you don’t feel connected to your child. Or, you may be afraid of looking like a “bad” mother.
It’s also common for postpartum symptoms to be brushed off, even when you do reach out for help. You may be told that “baby blues” are common or that every new mom feels the same way. While it’s true that mood swings, intense emotions, disrupted sleeping, and anxiety are common the first few weeks after giving birth, symptoms that linger after two weeks are a sign of something more serious.
With the help of a therapist specializing in postpartum mental health, you can address these concerns. Therapy can help you feel at peace in motherhood. In therapy, you’ll have a place to talk about what you’re going through without any judgment. Together we’ll focus on your well-being and on your bond with your child.