Pregnancy & Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Hey mamas! There are a lot of great things about being a parent…and a lot of not so great things. Not everyone has a picture-perfect pregnancy, despite what Instagram may tell us.
No one talks as much about the crippling effects being a new parent can have on you. No one talks about how you may not feel this instant connection to your child. No one talks about how you may lie awake at night worrying. Or when people ask you about your pregnancy, you probably aren’t telling them how much you hate every bit of it. Let’s not forget how traumatic giving birth can be. All of these things are more common than we think. Which is why we need to talk about it. Here at Ajana Therapy we are informed about the needs and difficulties in motherhood and the uniqueness of maternal mental health. Jessica Eiseman, MS, LPC, NCC has a clinical interest in maternal mental health and is currently working on the Maternal Mental Health Intensive training through Seleni.
Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety may include, inability to control your thoughts, constant worry, irrational fears that somethings bad will happen to your baby if you leave them.
Postpartum Depression is more than feeling the impact of the sleepless nights and having this new little human take over your world. It’s feeling constantly sad. Hopeless. You might feel some intense irritability. You may be even having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby. The Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale is a helpful screener for postpartum depression symptoms. If you are finding yourself checking several of these boxes, counseling may be helpful.
If you are having a difficult time coming in for counseling, there are several wonderful resources to help moms from Postpartum Support International; including online groups and chats.
Dads, don’t think we have forgotten about you! One in ten dads suffers from postpartum mental health issues after having a baby. We know you struggle too and are prepared to help. Postpartum Support International also has a chat resource for you.
If you are thinking of harming yourself or your baby please contact:
National Crisis Text Line
- Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline and Website
- 1-800-273-8255
- www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Call for yourself or someone you care about; free and confidential; network of more than 140 crisis centers nationwide; available 24/7
Postpartum Depression Conversation Coach
-
This interactive tool is designed to make tough conversations about postpartum depression much easier, whether you’re a struggling mom unsure of how to ask for help or a concerned loved one.
Our Maternal and Pregnancy Mental Health therapists in Houston, Texas include: Kimberly Harkey, MS, LPC & Laurette Presley, LPC