Motherhood is often portrayed as a blissful experience, filled with unconditional love and joy. While these emotions are undoubtedly present, the journey to motherhood can also be challenging and overwhelming.
Postpartum depression and anxiety are common yet often misunderstood conditions that affect many new mothers. At Love Play Grow, our highly trained therapists specialize in treating perinatal mental health issues and helping you navigate this new period of life.
Key Takeaways:
- Postpartum depression is a treatable condition.
- Seeking support is crucial for maternal and infant well-being.
- Love Play Grow offers specialized postpartum therapy in New Jersey.
- Our holistic approach addresses the physical, emotional, and mental health of new mothers.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) Symptoms
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness | You may feel down or empty most of the day, even if there's no apparent reason. |
| Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope | You may feel like you can't handle the demands of motherhood. |
| Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed | Things you used to enjoy may no longer seem appealing. |
| Changes in appetite or sleep patterns | You may eat more or less than usual, or you may have trouble sleeping or sleeping too much. |
| Difficulty bonding with your baby | You may have trouble feeling close to your baby. |
| Feelings of worthlessness or guilt | You may feel like you're a bad mother or that you don't deserve to be happy. |
| Difficulty thinking clearly, making decisions, or remembering things (cognitive changes) | You may have trouble concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions. |
| Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby | If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please seek help immediately. |
Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) Symptoms
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Excessive worry or anxiety that interferes with daily life | This can manifest as constant worry about your baby's health, finances, or other aspects of life. |
| Feeling restless or on edge | You may feel keyed up or jittery, like you can't relax. |
| Difficulty concentrating or making decisions | It may be hard to focus on tasks or make choices, even small ones. |
| Fatigue | You may feel exhausted, even if you're getting enough sleep. |
| Muscle tension | You may experience headaches, neck pain, or other muscle aches. |
| Difficulty sleeping | You may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. |
| Panic attacks | These sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort can be very frightening. |
How postpartum depression therapy can help
Working with a postpartum therapist provides a supportive environment to process your experience, as well as expert guidance and coping strategies to help you feel better.
Here’s a deeper look into how postpartum counseling can help.
- Reduced symptoms: Therapy helps alleviate symptoms of PPA and PPD, such as excessive worry, sadness, and fatigue.
- Improved mood and well-being: By addressing the root causes of your symptoms, therapy can help you feel happier, more resilient, and better equipped to cope with challenges.
- Strengthened relationships: Therapy can improve your relationships with your partner, baby, and other loved ones.
- Enhanced coping skills: We will help you develop coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
- Increased self-esteem: Therapy can help you rebuild your self-confidence and self-worth.
- Improved sleep: Many women with PPA and PPD experience sleep disturbances. Therapy can help regulate sleep patterns.
- Greater bonding with your baby: By addressing the emotional challenges of motherhood, therapy can help you strengthen your bond with your baby.
You don’t need to navigate the postpartum period on your own. With the right support, you can overcome the challenges of postpartum anxiety and depression and enjoy a fulfilling motherhood journey.
Meet our top-rated maternal mental health therapists
1. Kerri Adams, LPC, RPT, MARI, EMDR
Co-Owner, Child & Family Therapist
- Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
- Education: Master’s Degree from New Jersey City University
- Modalities Used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Play Therapy
- Specialty Areas: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Family Trauma, Mindfulness and Meditation, Perinatal Mental Health, Performance Anxiety, Sports-Related Anxiety
2. Christina Eromenok, LCSW, RPT
Co-Owner, Child & Family Therapist
- Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
- Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University
- Modalities Used: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (T-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Play Therapy
- Specialty Areas: Children with Disabilities, Navigating the Special Education Process, Trauma
3. Rachel Prager, LSW
Child & Family Therapist
- Credentials: New Jersey Licensed Social Worker (LSW), New York Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University
4. Beth Mitatov, LSW
Child & Family Therapist
- Credentials: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work from Ramapo College of New Jersey
- Specialty Areas: ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Grief and Loss
5. Veronika Midthassel, LSW
Child & Family Therapist
- Credentials: Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work from Rutgers University
FAQs about treating postpartum depression & anxiety disorders
Where can I find postpartum depression therapy near me?
Finding the right therapist can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help. Love Play Grow offers specialized perinatal and postpartum therapy in New Jersey. With two office locations and virtual services, our goal is to make therapy as accessible as possible.
If you’re located outside of New Jersey, we recommend reaching out to your healthcare provider for referrals or exploring online therapy options.
Additionally, consider these resources:
- Online therapy directories: Search for therapists in your area based on specific criteria.
- Postpartum Support International: This organization offers a helpline and support groups.
Remember, getting support is key to healing.
What type of therapy is best for postpartum?
Postpartum therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Therapists use all kinds of different methods to treat postpartum depression and anxiety, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, and more.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your women’s health care provider may recommend other treatments, such as medication. There are several options that are safe and effective in treating postpartum mood disorders. We’re happy to collaborate with your other treatment providers to make a customized plan to fit your needs.
Are there other perinatal mental health issues besides postpartum depression and anxiety?
Yes, there are several other perinatal mental health conditions. Some common ones include:
- Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): This involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors related to the baby.
- Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This can occur after a traumatic birth experience.
- Postpartum psychosis: This is a rare but severe condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Bipolar disorder: This condition can worsen during pregnancy and postpartum.
- Eating disorders: These can develop or worsen during pregnancy and postpartum.
It’s important to know that you’re not alone if you’re experiencing any of these conditions. Seeking professional help is crucial for your well-being and the well-being of your baby. If you’re experiencing mental, emotional, or physical symptoms that are impacting your quality of life, we encourage you to get support.
Start your healing journey
You deserve to feel your best during this special time in your life. Whether you’re feeling anxious about giving birth, struggling with a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, or simply feeling overwhelmed about new parenthood, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter future.
