Caring for the Caregivers: Promoting Mental Health in the Postpartum Period.

Transitioning into motherhood can provide joy, connection, and significance, but it can also be exhausting, overwhelming, and cause unanticipated emotional swings. Postpartum mental health is underappreciated, although one in every seven women has postpartum depression, and many more experience anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or loss.

At Trust Therapy, we help clients navigate the early phases of parenthood. Therapy can provide a safe environment in which to process changes, reestablish a sense of self, and get genuine support.

What Happens in the Postpartum Period?

The postpartum period is defined as the first year after birth however, emotional and psychological changes can begin before delivery and last for a long time after. During this time, you may experience: 

• Sleep disturbance, weariness, and physical recuperation.

• Hormonal changes that influence your mood.

• Identity and role changes

• Pressure to be "grateful" or "happy"

• Increased anxiety, guilt, or despair

• Relationships with partners or family members are strained

These feelings are shared. However, it may be necessary to seek help if they become severe, chronic, or interfere with everyday life.

Recognizing Postpartum Depression and Anxiety.

Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) are both common and manageable. You may notice:

• Feeling emotionally numb or distant from your baby

• Crying frequently or feeling hopeless

• Raced thoughts or continual stress

• Sleeping is difficult, even when the infant is asleep.

• Suicidal ideation or the belief that you are not a "good enough" parent

You do not need to meet any specific criteria to receive assistance. Therapy can help anyone in the postpartum period, whether they are experiencing clinical symptoms or simply feeling odd.

How Therapy Helps

Postpartum therapy aims to help you reconnect with your values, develop coping strategies, and feel supported. Some areas where therapy may focus include:

• Understanding your emotional landscape: allowing for anger, fear, sadness, and joy

• Rebuilding Identity: Navigating Who You Are Outside of Parenting

• Grief work involves processing birth trauma, loss of prior patterns, or missed expectations.

• Relational support: adjusting to changes in partner dynamics, family roles, or limits.

• Reducing shame and isolation: addressing erroneous expectations of parenthood

Therapy is not about having all of the answers; rather, it is about having the room to ask the important questions.

Motherhood is complicated. You are permitted to battle, and you do not have to do so alone. If you're feeling trapped, fatigued, or overwhelmed, we're here to offer you care, respect, and compassion. Please contact us for more information or to chat with one of our therapists.