Depression affects a lot of women; a lot of moms. Depression in moms is common but the narrative out in the world is mostly focused on postpartum depression, but this isn’t the only time it can be common for moms to experience depression. Depression can also happen while pregnant and it can happen between the first and fourth year of your child’s life.
Depression can feel like you are going through the motions and you are checked out. You might not be excited by the things that hold meaning for you; that you are just here. You might feel like nothing you do matters and that making decisions is difficult. Of course, it can be more severe than this but it doesn’t have to for it to be depression and something to connect with a therapist about.
Perinatal Depression
They say pregnancy is a happy time. Yes, exhausting with more emotional sensitivities and for most, morning sickness (or any time of day sickness); but generally, it’s an exciting time and the bonding starts here. However, not all women feel excited during this time or feel like they can connect to the life they are growing. Prenatal depression is not widely discussed.
Symptoms of depression share some symptoms of pregnancy such as a change in sleep, libido, and appetite. As a result, they may therefore be overlooked by your doctor. The normal emotional ups and downs of pregnancy can, of course, include sadness and anxiety but when that sadness and anxiety become more regular and get in the way of everyday life, it’s a good time to connect with a mental health professional.
Other signs of depression in moms or prenatal depression:
- Frequent crying spells
- Irritability
- Lack of motivation
- Head & body aches different from morning sickness
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Loss of interest & joy in activities you typically enjoy
- Withdrawing (or wanting to) from friends & family
- Sadness, hopelessness, overwhelm
Treatment for prenatal depression includes talk therapy. Anti-depressants aren’t out of the question. But, they are considered more intently to weigh if the risks outweigh the benefit. This should always be a decision you and your psychiatrist make together and it is recommended you also talk with your therapist about this decision.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is thought of as an episode of depression that can last from two weeks to 12 months after giving birth, though there is no average duration. This is often thought to be caused by hormonal shifts during and following pregnancy. Sleep deprivation, nutrient depletion, and unhelpful thinking patterns can contribute to this depression. Additionally, life is much different after having a child in other areas. A mom could be experiencing relationship conflict, financial issues, and changes in employment and residence. These are all contributors to one’s overall emotional state.
Signs of postpartum depression include:
- Constantly tired
- Feeling of panic
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty eating
- Frequent crying for no apparent reason
- Excessive worry about the baby or yourself
- Scary thoughts or fantasies
- Overwhelming sense of loss
Treatment for PPD includes talk therapy. Anti-depressants could be considered while breastfeeding and is a decision you should make with your doctor after learning the risks and benefits.
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- What is Play Therapy?
- My Cup Runneth Over: Early Parenting Myths
- What is Play Therapy and Benefits of Play Therapy
Year 2-4 Postpartum
Depression after the first 12 months after giving birth is also possible and fairly common. This can happen when struggles that came up before or after pregnancy wasn’t dealt with. This could be a variety of things such as not processing a traumatic pregnancy or delivery, early feelings of inadequacy with breastfeeding issues, etc. Symptoms of depression could be so mild that moms don’t notice they are struggling for a long time. Or, that it seems suddenly you feel this way when the first year has been fine. Suppressed emotions have a way of coming to the surface without notice and demand we deal with them. Moms who feel this way after the first year might feel like it’s too late to seek help for PPD but that’s not the case. It is still very appropriate to seek support from a depression therapist.
There is Light at the End
Depression is a lonely feeling and many people feel like they aren’t a good parent if they are depressed and need help, so they push through. This simply is not true. Living with depression happens to a lot of moms and there is a reason for it and that reason has nothing to do with your parenting skills. Working with a depression therapist can help you to live and parent with more joy, presence, and greater ability to see yourself for the incredible mom you truly are.
Begin Working With A Depression Therapist in Boulder, CO
The team of outstanding depression therapists at North Boulder Counseling can help you by using their tailored depression treatment plan that addresses four main pillars: thoughts, feelings, actions, and connection. These will be the anchors in your treatment to move you forward and onto feeling like yourself again. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
- Contact our therapy center
- Request an appointment to learn more about our team
- Begin overcoming your depression!
Other Services Offered with North Boulder Counseling
The team at our Boulder, CO-based counseling practice is happy to provide support for a variety of mental health concerns with both in-person support and online therapy across the state. Depression therapy isn’t the only service we offer, we are also happy to provide support via anxiety counseling, eating disorder treatment, trauma therapy/PTSD treatment, play therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy. We offer therapy services for the whole family, including counseling for men, women, teens, and children. Other therapy services offered include LGBTQ counseling, anxiety intensive treatment, postpartum anxiety treatment, parent coaching, and co-parenting. Feel free to learn more about us, or visit our blog for more info!
