Are you a new mom or recently had a baby? Have you been feeling sad, empty, and blue when you've always expected to be feeling joy, excitement, and love?

It is common for many women to experience the "baby blues" after delivery. Most women experience crying spells, sadness, mood swings, and anxiety. This can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks after giving birth. But, some women experience longer-lasting and more significant symptoms. This can be a sign they may have what is called postpartum depression.

What Are the Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?

The symptoms of the "baby blues" are often mild and short-lived. But, symptoms of postpartum depression can be moderate to severe and longer-lasting. Sometimes, up to several months. Symptoms often include:

• Excessive crying
• Severe mood swings and intense sadness
• Trouble bonding with your baby
• Withdrawal from family and loved ones
• Feeling disconnected from your baby
• High anxiety and panic attacks
• Crippling depression
• Feeling like you don't love your baby
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of interest or pleasure
• Lethargy and loss of energy
• Anger and irritability
• Feelings of inadequacy and shame
• Feeling worthless
• Thoughts of suicide
• Thoughts of harming your baby

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

Most researchers believe it is the result of very elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone dropping after delivery. During pregnancy, your estrogen and progesterone levels are the highest that they will ever be. As a result, the rapid drop in hormone levels can make it hard for the brain and body to adjust to those pre-pregnancy levels. Additionally, your thyroid levels rapidly decrease, contributing to fatigue and low mental energy.

Postpartum Depression and Your Environment

Aside from the hormonal aspect you experience after delivery, other factors also contribute. Do you have a history of clinical depression or anxiety? Is there instability in your home environment? Is there limited support available to you? The answers to these questions highlight the importance of environmental factors in your life. These are areas to consider if you suspect you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Postpartum depression therapy in Atlanta, GA can help you ease this suffering.

What is Postpartum Psychosis?

Postpartum psychosis is a very serious but rare condition that happens in only .1% of births. The onset of postpartum psychosis can show up around two weeks after delivery. Symptoms moms may experience include:

• Paranoia
• Auditory or visual hallucinations
• Hyperactivity
• Rapid and severe mood swings
• Delusions (strange and bizarre beliefs)
• Decreased need for sleep

How to Treat Postpartum Depression

Do you think that you are experiencing more than the "baby blues?" If so, call your OB/GYN or your midwife and tell them your symptoms. Together, you may decide that it's best to seek treatment with a seasoned psychotherapist who specializes in postpartum depression therapy. Sometimes both postpartum depression therapy and medicine are optimal in treating your symptoms. It is important to seek help immediately if you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.

Begin Postpartum Depression Therapy in Atlanta, GA

Are you suffering from postpartum depression? If so, please contact us today! Our team of caring therapists would be happy to offer support in overcoming your symptoms. We offer support from our Atlanta, GA-based counseling practice. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:

1. Contact North Atlanta Psychotherapy
2. Meet with a caring therapist
3. Start cherishing your newborn!

Other Services Offered with North Atlanta Psychotherapy

Postpartum depression therapy isn't the only service offered at our Atlanta, GA-based therapy practice. Our team is happy to provide a variety of mental health services. These include anxiety therapy, depression therapy, play therapy, and grief counseling. We also provide support for men, couples, teens, and children. Feel free to also learn more about how we can support those with bipolar disorder, infertility, and OCD, or visit our blog to learn more today!

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