Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

The road to becoming a parent can be rocky. On television, social media and other outlets, we often see perfect pictures of pregnancy and what life is like after giving birth. For some this is not the case and pregnancy as well as after what happens after can be difficult. Many even develop depression, anxiety and other mood disorder. 

For those that may be experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma or mood disorders due to their perinatal experience, there is help. I specialize in offering therapy to individuals that may need support during this time. I address issues not only related to depression and anxiety but issues surrounding identity, attachment/bond, self-care as a new parent, boundary setting as well as a number of other topics common to the birth experience. 

Symptoms of postpartum depression:

• Insomnia
• Changes in appetite
• Irritability and intense mood swings
• Fear 
• Anxiety
• Hopelessness
• Unexplained crying spells or tearfulness
• Poor concentration
• Difficulty bonding with baby
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Symptoms of postpartum anxiety:

• Constant worry (most commonly about your baby’s health and wellbeing)
• Feelings of dread
• Racing or uncontrollable thoughts
• Scary or unwanted thoughts
• Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep
• Changes in appetite
• Restlessness
• Physical symptoms including nausea, hot flashes, sweating, racing heart, chest pain, rapid breathing

Symptoms of postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder:

• Obsessions or intrusive and unwanted thoughts
• Distressing repetitive thoughts or mental images related to your baby (usually something terrible happening to your child). 
• Compulsions to reduce fears and obsessions (cleaning, checking on baby, etc.)
• Embarrassment over distressing thoughts
• Fear of being left alone with your baby
• Hypervigilance about the health and safety of your baby