Perinatal Therapy and Postpartum Depression Therapy in Boca Raton, FL
Baby blues not going away? It could be postpartum depression.
We often refer to a new baby as a blessing or a bundle of joy. But what if it just doesn’t feel that way? Many new parents feel anything but joyful while pregnant or after giving birth – on the contrary, you may be experiencing feelings like dread, anxiety, and fear. If these feelings are so intense that they’re getting in the way of enjoying new parenthood, you may be experiencing perinatal mental health issues.
You’re not alone. Perinatal mental health and postpartum depression therapy in Palm Beach can help you get through this.
What is perinatal mental health?
Perinatal mental health refers to the psychological well-being of individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period, encompassing both the prenatal and postnatal phases.
It includes conditions such as:
- antenatal depression
- postpartum depression
- anxiety disorders
- bipolar disorder
- postpartum psychosis
Though more common in pregnant and childbearing mothers, perinatal mental health issues can affect parents of all genders, and impact their ability to cope with the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood.
What causes perinatal mental health problems?
Risk factors for perinatal mental health problems include:
- a history of mental illness
- hormonal changes
- stressful life events
- lack of social support
- difficulties in the parent-infant relationship
What is postpartum depression and anxiety?
Postpartum depression and anxiety are mental health conditions that occur following childbirth. Postpartum depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, guilt, and hopelessness experienced by the mother. Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or postpartum anxiety, involve excessive worry, fear, and nervousness, often centered around the well-being of the baby or the mother’s ability to care for the infant.
These conditions can affect a mother’s ability to bond with her baby, disrupt sleep patterns, and interfere with daily functioning.
Risk factors for postpartum depression and anxiety include:
- hormonal changes
- issues with latching and breastfeeding
- history of depression or anxiety
- lack of social support
- stressful life events
- childbirth complications
It is important to remember you are not alone. There is hope.
Early detection and intervention are crucial for preventing adverse outcomes for both parents and infants. Treatment approaches may include psychotherapy, medication, support groups, lifestyle modifications, and education.
Therapy for Postpartum Depression
Not everyone who experiences a loss will require grief counseling. But it could be helpful for you if you’re experiencing…
During sessions, your therapist will assist you in screening, assessing, and providing appropriate care.
By addressing perinatal mental health proactively, you can enhance your well-being and promote healthy outcomes for yourself and your family.
In therapy for perinatal mental health, you can expect a comprehensive approach aimed at addressing the unique challenges and emotional experiences associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect during therapy sessions:
Screening and assessment: Your therapist will conduct thorough screenings and assessments to evaluate your mental health status. This may involve standardized questionnaires, discussions about your symptoms, and exploration of your personal history and current circumstances. Through this process, your therapist will gain a clearer understanding of your concerns and needs.
Collaborative decision-making and goal-setting: Throughout the therapy process, you and your therapist will work collaboratively to set goals, track progress, and make decisions about the direction of your treatment. Your input and feedback are essential in ensuring that the therapy is aligned with your needs and preferences.
Individualized care: Based on the results of the screening and assessment, your therapist will tailor the treatment plan to meet your specific needs. This may involve various therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and more. The goal is to provide you with effective strategies for managing symptoms and improving your overall well-being.
Psychoeducation: Therapy sessions may include educational components where your therapist provides information about perinatal mental health, common challenges faced during pregnancy and postpartum, and evidence-based strategies for coping and self-care. Understanding the nature of perinatal mental health conditions can help you feel more empowered and informed about your experiences.
Emotional support: One of the primary goals of therapy is to offer a safe and supportive space where you can express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns without judgment. Your therapist will listen attentively, validate your experiences, and offer empathy and encouragement as you navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy and early parenthood. You may be able to share things with your therapist that you feel like you can’t talk about with other people.
Skill-building and coping strategies: Perinatal mental health therapy sessions may focus on developing practical skills and coping strategies to manage stress, regulate emotions, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. These skills can be invaluable in coping with the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and the transition to parenthood.
Get therapy for postpartum depression in Boca Raton, FL
Even if you struggle with perinatal mental health concerns, parenthood can become something you enjoy. We can help you overcome these concerns, learn new ways of coping, and spend this important time bonding with your baby.
This is not your fault, and you are not a bad mother/parent. We will listen to your concerns with no judgment, and are ready to offer support.
Give us a call at (561) 485-4633 to get started with postpartum depression therapy. You are not alone.
How It Works
Contact Our Office
Contact our office via phone or e-mail to schedule your initial session. We are here to make this process as easy and comfortable as we can for you.
Complete Paperwork
Complete the paperwork provided to you online within 24 hours of scheduling and mark the date on your calendar, we are looking forward to working with you!
Go To Therapy
Attend your initial session and discuss treatment planning with your therapist. Treatment plans may look different for each case. It is typically suggested that sessions take place weekly or biweekly.
