Postpartum Therapists in Toronto

Becoming a new parent is often pictured as a joyous time filled with cuddles and coos. But what if you’re feeling more cloudy than sunny, more low than high? If you’re feeling down, anxious, or just not yourself after having your baby, you might be experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety.

What’s Going On?

Postpartum depression is a type of depression that can affect new moms after their child is born. It is thought to be caused by a mix of hormonal changes and maternal stress. Women of different ages and socioeconomic backgrounds can be affected by postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is distinct from the ‘baby blues’, which affect up to 80% of new moms and often last from a couple of days to a few weeks following the delivery of a child. Click here if you want to find out more about postpartum depression.

What Postpartum Depression Feels Like?

New parents frequently suffer a number of changes in their physical and emotional health during the postpartum period. It might be difficult for individuals to deal and adjust, especially when balancing these changes with daily living. Some of the symptoms can include:

Sadness or “empty” feelings
Anger or irritability
Tearfulness
Fatigue
Sleep problems – trouble falling asleep, waking up often or sleeping too much
Feeling worthless, guilty or inadequate
Loss of interest in activities that used to bring pleasure
Appetite changes (eating more or less than usual)
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Postpartum depression symptoms can range from moderate to severe and can continue for weeks, months, or even years.

Treatment for Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression can be effectively treated with therapy. There are several types of therapy that can be beneficial for postpartum depression.

Here are a few that have been found to be effective:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Interpersonal Therapy
Supportive Therapy

Postpartum Therapy Plans at Get Reconnected Psychotherapy Services

At Get Reconnected Psychotherapy Services, we understand that no individual experiences difficulties in the same way. As such, we tailor our approaches to each person in order to provide the best possible care.

The following are some of the ways we can help with in the treatment of postpartum depression:

Create a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your feelings, thoughts and behaviours in this adjustment period.
Find yourself in motherhood/parenthood.
Develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Help strengthen and/or rediscover the bond between parent and child and between partners.

If you are a mother suffering from postpartum depression, you are not alone! It is estimated that 1 in 7 women experience depression during or after pregnancy. The good news is that there is help available and you can overcome postpartum depression. With the right treatment plan, you can begin to feel like yourself again. In therapy, you will work through the emotions and behaviours that are contributing to how you are feeling. You will learn coping mechanisms and gain insight into your condition. For more information about our approaches, please contact us at [email protected] If you are ready, you can book your first therapy session