Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety, & Other Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) Therapy and Counseling

Postpartum depression, anxiety, and other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) can be overwhelming for new parents. At Thrive Therapy Houston, we understand the unique challenges that come with pregnancy and the postpartum period. Our therapy services offer compassionate support to help you manage symptoms, find emotional balance, and navigate this transformative time with confidence and care.

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Perinatal Mental Health For Pregnancy & Postpartum, Including Postpartum Mood Disorders (PMADs)

Are you feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed? Are you struggling and not sure how to talk about it? Is pregnancy or parenthood not what you were expecting? Do you feel like you are not yourself anymore?

OR let’s be real…have you eaten anything today? Are you terrified to walk away from your baby for even one second? Are too anxious to leave the house with the baby? Are you ready to pull your hair out from all the crying? Are you in tears anytime you hear someone else talk about having such a different experience with their child?

There is nothing that changes your life more than becoming a new parent, pregnancy, and birth. Sometimes the hormone and body changes, lack of support, colicky baby, are all just too much. If you are struggling and not feeling like yourself, reach out. Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are experienced by 20% of new parents and IT IS TREATABLE!

“1 in 5 Moms and 1 in 10 Dads suffer from postpartum depression… Every perinatal mood disorder, no matter how strong the symptoms are, is temporary and treatable!”  – Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Having a baby and growing your family is a time of huge changes. Some short-term mood changes or “the baby blues” is experienced by about 80% of new parents in the first couple weeks after birth and often resolved on their own when hormone levels have evened out. However, 1 in 5 women experience more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety postpartum. 1 in 10 dads or partners become depressed during the first year. Symptoms can appear any time during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth. There are effective and well-researched treatment options to help you recover. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) encompass a range of mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy or in the first year postpartum. Although the term “postpartum depression” is most often used, there are actually several forms of illness that parents may experience.

Risk Factors for PMADs

  • Personal or Family History of Mental Health Conditions
  • Previous Experience of PMADs
  • Stressful Life Events
  • Lack of Social Support
  • Unplanned or Unwanted Pregnancy
  • Perinatal Loss or Complications
  • Hormonal Changes
  • Sleep Deprivation
  • Lack of Financial Resources
  • Infant Feeding Difficulties
  • Personal Expectations and Perfectionism

Types of PMADs

PPD is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emptiness. Symptoms may also include loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

This includes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and specific phobias. Symptoms may include excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat or sweating.

Panic attacks that can occur suddenly and without warning. Symptoms may include intense fear or discomfort, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a sense of losing control.

Intrusive and repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) related to the baby’s safety, cleanliness, or health. These thoughts and behaviors can interfere with daily functioning and cause significant distress.

PTSD can develop after experiencing a traumatic childbirth or perinatal experience. Symptoms may include intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders of the event, hypervigilance, and mood changes.

This is a rare but severe condition characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and extreme mood swings. It requires immediate medical attention as it poses risks to the safety of both the parent and the baby.

Postpartum depression and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are temporary and treatable with professional help. If you feel you may be suffering from one of these illnesses, know that it is not your fault and you are not to blame.

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PMADs: Risk Factors, Support, and the Path to Recovery

It’s important to note that while these risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing PMADs, not everyone with these risk factors will experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder. Additionally, individuals may experience PMADs even without any identifiable risk factors. Early identification, support, and appropriate treatment are key to managing PMADs and promoting maternal mental health during the perinatal period.

Therapy has been shown to help pregnant people and new parents to reduce stress and recover from PMADs. Parents of every identity, culture, age, gender, income level and race can develop perinatal mental health disorders. Many people’s birth experiences are as unique as they are themselves. Overall, therapy for PMADs is crucial for promoting mental health and well-being during the perinatal period. It offers personalized support, tools for managing symptoms, and a pathway to recovery and resilience for individuals and families facing these challenges.

Benefits of Therapy for PMADs

Therapy provides effective tools and strategies to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other PMADs.

It offers a safe and non-judgmental space to express feelings, fears, and concerns related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.

Therapy teaches coping mechanisms that can be applied to daily challenges, reducing stress and enhancing resilience.

Addressing PMADs early can improve the ability to bond with the baby and enhance overall family relationships.

Early intervention through therapy can prevent PMADs from becoming chronic or developing into more severe mental health conditions.

Seeking Professional Help

There are many resources for support postpartum. If you need someone to talk to now, reach out to Postpartum Support International! They are one of the best, international resources for immediate support with a crisis hotline available, as well as many support groups to connect with others and build community.

It’s essential for individuals experiencing symptoms of PMADs to seek help from healthcare providers who specialize in perinatal mental health. Early intervention and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and promote recovery. Support from loved ones, understanding employers, and community resources can also play a crucial role in the healing process.

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