Postpartum Therapy: How to Know When to Seek Help
Having a baby whether it be your first time or fourth is stressful; you’re not getting enough sleep, your brain is flooded with fears about being a good parent, even when you’re resting you’re thinking about the next thing to worry about. About 85% of women experience some kind of mood disturbance during the postpartum period. For most that experience these disturbances, they are short, mild periods. For about 10 to 15% of women, they develop more significant symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety.
In this blog, we’ll focus mostly on postpartum anxiety and depression. We will touch on other postpartum psychiatric illnesses but we’re only going over them for extra clarity.
What are the Different Postpartum Psychiatric Illnesses?
Generally postpartum psychiatric disorders are characterized into three different categories listed below from mildest and most common to most severe and least common.
1. Postpartum blues
Postpartum blues affect up to 80% of mothers. It’s less of a psychiatric illness and more a natural mood response to having a child and giving birth. Rather than feeling sad, women report tearfulness, anxiety, and irritability. Typically the symptoms hit a peak around day five following delivery, though these feelings can be uncomfortable for the birthing parent and others around them, they do typically subside. Postpartum blues don’t have a specific treatment nor is a treatment required. It’s important to note, however, that mothers with a history of depression have the risk of postpartum blues developing into a more serious disorder. If symptoms do not subside within or around the two week mark post delivery, be sure to get evaluated by your doctor or by a mental health professional.
Symptoms of postpartum blues include:
Bouts of crying or tearfulness
Anxiety
Irritability
Sleep and appetite disturbances
Confusion
Fatigue
2. Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety
Postpartum depression affects around one in seven women. It is the more severe and longer lasting sister to postpartum blues. Typically symptoms develop over the first two or three months postpartum. Some women even note the onset of milder symptoms throughout their pregnancies. If you have some of those symptoms, don’t panic, they could very well be postpartum blues as well. A predisposition for depression or a history of depression can be a risk factor for developing postpartum depression.
Postpartum anxiety is characterized by the excessive worry which occurs following childbirth. Parents with postpartum anxiety are constantly nervous, worried, or panicked. These are not casual feelings of anxiety that a parent would naturally feel for their child but rather severe anxiety that takes over most of your thoughts. Mothers with postpartum anxiety sometimes get symptoms of OCD, such as constant checking on the baby, never being able to put the baby down with fear that something will happen, or being worried that harm will come to the baby either by you or by someone else are common feelings attributed to postpartum anxiety.
Symptoms of postpartum depression and/or anxiety include:
Depressed or sad mood
Loss of interest in activities which used to bring joy
Feelings of worthlessness
Fatigue
Sleep and appetite disturbances
Poor concentration
Suicidal thoughts
3. Postpartum psychosis
Postpartum psychosis sounds scary and intimidating but it only affects approximately 0.089 to 2.6 per 1,000 women. Symptoms usually appear within the first 48 to 72 hours of birth. Most women with postpartum psychosis can see symptoms within the first two weeks postpartum. Postpartum psychosis most commonly resembles manic episodes that one would experience with bipolar disorder. Those with this disorder have very disoriented moods, sometimes harmful auditory hallucinations that urge them to harm themselves or their babies. Again, one of the less common illnesses.
Symptoms of postpartum psychosis include:
Extreme confusion
Loss of connection to reality
Paranoia
Auditory hallucinations
Disorganized thoughts
When is the Right Time to Seek Help?
Each of the disorders spoken about obviously have different severities and times to seek counselling. We’ll go a bit more into depth on postpartum depression and anxiety now. As far as postpartum psychosis goes, this is the most severe form of postpartum disorders and requires immediate attention and treatment. If you notice the symptoms in yourself or your spouse seek help immediately.
As far as anxiety and depression, these are two disorders are commonly referred to in the psychology world as internalized disorders. These disorders tend to be suffered through silently as the symptoms are often only noticed by the person who has depression or anxiety and symptoms need to get really severe for others to take note.
For postpartum depression, the symptoms do typically start at the same time as the baby blues. It's when the baby blues don’t go away that there is cause for concern. If the postpartum blues persist beyond the two week postpartum mark it’s important to visit your doctor and have them complete an assessment.
As far as postpartum anxiety, when symptoms start bleeding into keeping you safe and healthy is when you should seek help. An example of this is staying awake all night to watch your baby because you’re scared they will stop breathing in their sleep. There is not a clear diagnostic tool for postpartum anxiety so having an open dialogue with your physician is extremely important to get you the postpartum therapy you need!
Who Should you see to Help?
Each of the different postpartum mental illnesses are not only individual to themselves but also individual to who is suffering from them. Your postpartum depression could look very different to your cousin’s postpartum depression. It’s important to remember you need to find a treatment that works for you. Your physician will recommend different types of therapy and therapists once you explain your symptomatology. There are many different methods of treatment, but it’s important to do your research before settling on one.
Postpartum Depression Treatments
Talk therapy for postpartum depression involves providing new parents with a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences related to parenthood. This therapeutic approach, guided by a skilled therapist, helps people navigate the overwhelming feelings of sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that can accompany postpartum depression. Through regular sessions, therapy allows parents to address underlying issues such as the pressure to meet societal expectations, feelings of isolation, or difficulties bonding with their baby.
Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT) are commonly used to help new parents reframe negative thoughts, improve communication with loved ones, and build coping strategies.
By engaging in talk therapy, many people find relief, validation, and a path to improving their mental well-being during the challenging postpartum period.
Medication is also an option if symptoms don’t subside, your healthcare professional will know if that is needed.
Postpartum Anxiety Treatments
Therapy treatments for postpartum anxiety focus on helping new parents manage the intense worry and fear that can overshadow the joys of parenthood.
Postpartum anxiety often manifests as persistent, overwhelming thoughts about the baby's safety, the parent's competence, or future uncertainties. In therapy, techniques like CBT are commonly used to help new parents identify and challenge irrational fears, reduce anxiety-provoking thought patterns, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Therapists may also incorporate mindfulness practices to teach new parents how to stay present and grounded, reducing anxious thoughts.
Additionally, talk therapy provides emotional support, allowing parents to express their concerns and feelings without judgment. By addressing these issues early on through therapy, mothers can find relief from the constant anxiety, regain confidence in their abilities, and foster a more balanced and positive postpartum experience.
Sometimes medication is needed in tandem with therapy for really severe cases; be sure to talk to your healthcare provider to see if this is for you.
Postpartum Psychosis Treatments
Most postpartum psychosis treatments involve a combination of therapy and pharmaceuticals.
Since this one is less common and isn’t really a focus, find more information here.
Four Things to do While Getting Postpartum Therapy
There are many things you can do outside of therapy to help yourself with whatever you’re dealing with. Some ways you can do this include:
Support groups with other parents struggling with the same things. Some support groups are entirely online and help you share your feelings with those who understand fully what you’re going through.
Ask for help. It can be hard but it’ll be worth it in the long term. Talk to friends and family about what you’re feeling. Ask them to take care of the children for you sometimes so you can take some time for yourself.
Try to get active however you can. Getting exercise helps with stress relief, be it a walk, a gym session, or a yoga class, are a good way to do this.
Make sure to make time for yourself, eat well, and sleep well.
It’s easy as a parent to feel responsible for everyone all the time, but you have to remember you’re also responsible for you, too!
Taking care of yourself can help you not only be a better parent but a better partner. Don’t forget to make yourself a priority even when you feel like you don’t have time!
If any of the above applies to you, be sure to take care of yourself and reach out for postpartum therapy. Toronto Therapy Practice has a talented team with expertise in postpartum counselling and a 20-minute free consultation to ensure we are the right fit for what you need.
