What does it mean when you have postpartum depression?
Postpartum means the time after childbirth. Parents usually feel depressed or anxious after giving birth.
Postpartum is a vulnerable time. With so much anticipation of the baby’s arrival and now the realization that you must care take for another human being, life can suddenly feel terrifying. Parents of color are twice as likely to miss postpartum visits due to fear of being judged and lack of trust their provider. Talk therapy is a good place to start when thinking about how to manage and overcome postpartum depression or anxiety.
How does talking about my problems help with postpartum?
1. Therapy is a safe space that is judgement free where you can talk about everything that is on your mind. Whether it is fear about keeping a baby alive or worries about your marriage post baby, a therapist will help you work through these worries.
2. A therapist can make you feel validated in your thoughts and feelings. You might feel “crazy” but your therapist is there to help you work through those feelings and help you feel less alone.
3. Sometimes our loved ones are the people we feel least connected to during postpartum. Many new parents feel pressure to have it together, so they don’t ask for help. Therapy is the safe space when loved ones can’t be.
4. Life transitions are hard. We need safe spaces to talk about them.
Talk therapy is most beneficial when clients feel seen and connected with their therapist. This can look like finding a therapist who shares a similar ethnicity, culture, or race as you. If you are interested in working with a culturally sensitive therapist, schedule a free 15 min phone call today!