Dealing with postpartum depression and anxiety? Learn how can therapy support new mothers overcome emotional challenges after childbirth.
By Ana Brown B.A Psychology (she/her). Reviewed by Dr. Pascale Piron, Psy.D., M.A., LCPC (she/her).
April 04, 2025.
she strolls around the park with her new baby, she watches the other moms play with their kids, smiling, giggling and she smiles back. Her baby sleeps peacefully on their way back home, she has a loving partner, a supporting family, and the dream of being a mom just came true. But for a while now, she feels disconnected from her own child, overwhelmed with sadness instead of the happiness that everyone expects new moms to feel. She cries alone ashamed of her own feelings, scared to share and be judged. Afraid she is not capable of caring for her child. She simply cannot bond with her baby.
Postpartum depression does not discriminate against backgrounds or socioeconomic status. It can happen to any mom and it is a serious condition that needs professional support.
WHAT IS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD)?
The The Cleveland Clinic defines postpartum depression as “a type of depression that happens after you give birth.Postpartum depression doesn’t just affect the birth mother. It can affect surrogates and adoptive parents.”
It’s normal to experience “baby blues” after childbirth, but if you are experiencing severe and prolonged sadness or loneliness, constant mood swings and crying, extreme irritability and difficult regulating emotions, and other symptoms listed below, you may have postpartum depression.
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION:
There are multiple causes associated with the onset of postpartum depression symptoms. It is a complex condition that requires medical and psychological support. Some possible causes are but not limited to are:
- Hormonal changes/alterations : During pregnancy reproductive hormones increase tenfold followed by a dramatic drop in hormonal levels such as estrogen and progesterone right after childbirth . Hormone levels should start normalizing after 3 days of giving birth. If the leveling fails the drastic alteration can result in important and sudden mood swings as well as depression.
- Life stressful or unexpected events: death of a loved one, extreme financial hardships, divorce , extreme loneliness, lack of support from family, friends and a community, medical life threatening conditions.
- history of mental health disorders: there is an increased risk of developing postpartum depression if client has previously been diagnosed with depression or anxiety.
- Relationship issues: childbirth and relationship difficulties can be overwhelming when experienced at the same time. Having a new born baby at home and having to deal with serious issues with a partner, can greatly increase the risk of developing postpartum depression.
- Physical or psychological trauma: such as domestic violence or traumatic childbirth, or any other event threatening to the physical and emotional integrity of the parents, family or the child.
SYMPTOMS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION:
Sometimes postpartum depression may be misdiagnosed as baby blues, which can put the lives of the new mom and baby at risk. It’s important to know the different and when to get professional help.
According to The Mayo Clinic the most common long lasting symptoms (more than two weeks)that can be an indication of postpartum depression include but are not limited to:
- Depressed mood or severe mood swings
- Constant crying
- Feeling disconnected from your baby
- Social isolation
- Changes in appetite
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Overwhelming tiredness
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Intense irritability
- Anger
- Fear you’re not a good mother – shame and guilt
- Hopelessness
- Lack of concentration
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Serious intrusive and negative thoughts of harming yourself or the baby.
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
You matter.
Don’t allow shame or guilt prevent you from seeking support.
BABY BLUES SYMPTOMS:
John Hopkins Medicine lists the following common symptoms of postpartum baby blues which are common to up to 85% new moms, and contrary to the postpartum depression symptoms, baby blues symptoms only last a few days to a week or two after childbirth, and they may include:
- Anxiety
- Constant crying
- Restlessness
- Mild and temporary depression
Postpartum depression can last for months even years, John Hopkins reports one study shows that 25% of participants were still experiencing depression three years after having their children. This is an important alert to seek professional help right away.
It is important to note that every mother will experience postpartum depression in a different way. Postpartum depression can range from mild to severe and seeking help can save people’s lives.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, or have recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, seek professional help immediately. Talk to your doctor and your therapist to determine the best course of treatment for you.
HOW CAN THERAPY SUPPORT NEW MOTHERS DEALING WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND/OR SEVERE ANXIETY:
Childbirth is one of the most stressful and scary event in anyone’s life. Yet, it is expected that parents be joyful and happy immediately after holding their babies for the first time. But the truth is, after all those months filled with expectation, reality sets in, that you now have the biggest responsibility of your life, taking care and raising another human being. Anyone can use extra help, especially if this excitement turns into fear, sadness and confusion. Seeking help is an act of love for your child and yourself. Clinical talk therapy can help clients feel hopeful and empowered to continue on their journeys as parents.
Therapy is such an important resource for new parents struggling with postnatal issues. There are so many benefits from having the support of a trained therapist who can guide and help parents in their healing journey. Among some of the benefits are:
- Improve self-esteem.
- Teaches emotional regulation.
- Better communication between parents.
- Reframe negative thoughts into healthier behaviors.
- Strengthen the bond between mom and child.
- Foster resilience.
- Increase self-awareness.
- Alleviates symptoms of stress, irritability, depression.
TYPES OF THERAPY FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY:
There are a few types of therapy recommended for postpartum depression and anxiety, the most common are:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A very effective type of therapy focused on helping clients identify negative thoughts and behaviors. This approach creates a safe place for clients to learn how to recognize “triggers” events and develop coping mechanisms to deal with challenging situations which can cause depression and anxiety. It also teaches parents new healthier behaviors such as encouraging exercising and engaging in more social activities. Sessions may also involve partners to improve communication and better the relationship between parents.
- Interpersonal Therapy (ITP): It explores the underlying causes of postpartum depression and any other external or circumstantial contributing factors. This approach takes a shorter period of time, over 12-16 week period that follows a specific treatment course.
- Group Therapy: A type of processing therapy in a group of people experiencing the same negative emotions associated with postpartum depression and anxiety. By listening to others share their journey as new parents struggling with depression, helps parents feel less alone in their challenges following childbirth. It offers validation from the therapist, teaches new coping tools and a sense of social support as well. It may foster new friendships and important connections with the community.
According to the American Psychological Association about 1 in 7 women will experience postpartum depression, a serious mood disorder that can affect a mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby. Postpartum anxiety and other related conditions, such as postpartum OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) and postpartum psychosis, also present unique challenges. These conditions can be isolating, making it hard for mothers to reach out for support.”
Clinical talk therapy
The journey of motherhood is not as easy as one may think. It is a long journey of sacrifices, self-discovery, permeated by many failures and disappointments but also incredible rewards, accomplishments and successes. It is very disheartening to have your dream of becoming a parent overshadowed by postpartum depression.
This is not your fault and you should not go through this without the proper support of family, friends and trained professionals such as your therapist. There is a life full of wonderful memories with your new child awaiting for you. Allow yourself to receive the love you deserve and need.
There is always light and there is always hope.
Be kind. Be brave.Be well.
Always with love,
AB
HELPFUL LINKS:
How can therapy help couples improve communication
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988