Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is the most common complication following childbirth. When postpartum depression includes symptoms of anxiety, we refer to this as postpartum anxiety. Postpartum depression symptoms can include; frequent crying, mood swings, irritability, extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, loss of sexual interest, anxiety, appetite changes, negative scary thoughts, feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, and despair. These symptoms can become severe but can be treated through counseling.
Postpartum anxiety symptoms can include; panic attacks, insomnia, low appetite, fears, and feeling shaky, dizzy, or short of breath. At times, it can be hard to distinguish normal new parent worry from postpartum anxiety. That is why it is important to seek treatment.
We provide free, confidential counseling to women and men with postpartum depression and anxiety. Call us at 847-870-8181 to schedule your first session.
You may be experiencing the “Baby Blues,” a normal reaction after having a baby. The “Baby Blues” is a normal, relatively short-lived period of feeling sad that is caused by normal hormonal changes that occur after giving birth. If these feelings continue to persist and intensify for more than 14 days, it may be Postpartum Depression.
- Feeling restless or irritable.
- Feeling depressed, sad or crying a lot.
- Having no energy.
- Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (heart beating fast and/or feeling like it is skipping beats), numbness, or hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing).
- Not being able to sleep or being very tired, or both.
- Not being able to eat and weight loss or overeating and weight gain.
- Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions.
- Being overly worried about the baby.
- Not having any interest in the baby.
- Feeling worthless and guilty.
- Being afraid of hurting the baby or yourself.
- No interest or pleasure in activities, including sex.
Deciding if you need medication is a decision best made between you and your medical provider; usually, it’s a psychiatrist prescribing your medication. A combination of counseling and medication will help decrease your symptoms.
Women may be a greater risk of developing postpartum depression if they have a history of depression, they have had postpartum depression following a previous pregnancy, they have experienced stressful events during the previous year, or they have a weak support system.
Our counseling services are free.
Yes. There are a few instances when a counselor may need to disclose information without written consent. Those situations include protecting the client or public from harm, abuse or neglect of a child, the elderly, or a person with disabilities, or when there is a court order.
Sessions are typically 45 minutes to an hour. During your first appointment, we ask that you allow an hour and a half in order to complete paperwork and an intake.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact one of the crisis lines below or call 911.
Text HOPE1 to 67076 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.
Reach Out to Us
Contact Hopeful Beginnings regarding our services or any general questions you have. One of our counselors will be in touch with you shortly. You may also call or email us for additional information.