Therapist for Postpartum Depression in Brooklyn, NYC
Flourish Psychology is a Boutique Private Practice with Caring, Supportive Therapists to Help You Through Postpartum Depression and the
Baby Blues in New York City
Postpartum depression is common – more common than most people think. Clinical postpartum depression affects as many as 20% of all new moms, and even that might be an undercount, as the “Baby Blues” (periods of sadness, loneliness, and emptiness after childbirth) affect 50 to 80% (!) of all new moms. Even men and non birthing partners experience postpartum depression at about a 10% rate.
Postpartum depression (PPD) responds well to treatment, and the effects of that depression – such as taking away from your experience in raising your child – can be addressed as well. If you are looking for a therapist to help with postpartum depression in Brooklyn, New York City, or the rest of NY state, contact Flourish Psychology, today at 917-737-9475, or by filling out our online contact form.
Who We Are at Flourish Psychology
Flourish Psychology is a team of therapists led by Dr. Sadi Fox, a psychologists known for her work with eating disorders, celebrities, and depression. Together, she has created a practice with some of the best therapists in all of NYC, offering a wide range of support options for adults of diverse backgrounds.
Therapy benefits from connection. We encourage you to reach out to our front office to find out more about our therapists and get connected to one that makes the most sense for your needs.
What’s It Like to Live with PPD?
Postpartum depression is the experience of having symptoms of depression after childbirth. Symptoms include, but are not limited to:
Emptiness
Loneliness
Unexplained Sadness or Crying
Mood Swings
Irritability
Poor Sleep Quality (Not Caused by the Baby)
Changes to Diet
Many of these are common symptoms of major and chronic depression, but in this case can all be linked to childbirth. There are also symptoms that are directly related to having a new baby. These include:
Trouble Bonding with the Baby
Arguments with Your Partner
Difficulty Breastfeeding
Limited Interest in the Baby
Fear or Anxiety About the Baby’s Health/Wellbeing
Postpartum depression has many symptoms, and not everyone experiences them the same way. If you feel any negative emotions after pregnancy, it is worth determining if it is PPD.
What Causes PPD?
Postpartum depression is not caused by a single issue. It is caused by a combination of many factors, including those that may not be easily identifiable. Some of these factors that lead to PPD include:
Hormonal Changes After Childbirth
Limited Sleep
Life Disruption
Previous History of Depression
Feelings of Helplessness Caring for a Baby
Conflict with Partner
Past Trauma
Lack of Social Support
Family Pressures
Many new parents also are unprepared for what having a new baby brings, and many others experience postpartum depression for what seems like no reason – occurring while breastfeeding, or when the baby is sleeping, or when you’re holding the baby. There are likely psychological, biological, and societal factors, some of which we will be able to identify, and some of which we may never truly know.
Cause does matter. But even without knowing the true cause(s), postpartum depression has many available treatments that allow us to address it in ways that help improve not only your happiness and mental health, but also your bond with the baby.
The Effects of Postpartum Depression and Treatment for PPD
Living through postpartum depression is challenging, and in some cases it can feel almost traumatic. There are some women that choose not to have another child because of their experience with postpartum depression, and others that still experience sadness thinking about that time in their lives.
It is true that some postpartum depression will eventually go away. But psychologists still recommend treatment for those struggling. Many women with postpartum depression will eventually develop chronic depression and/or anxiety as a result of their struggles, especially if they do not seek treatment. Relationship issues that arise as a result of PPD can also last and continue to affect the relationship.
But therapy is also designed to help even if the postpartum depression does go away. It helps you feel connected to your baby. It helps you with bonding. It helps you maintain happier memories of this early time period. It can also help you overcome postpartum depression faster, allowing you to enjoy more bonding time with your baby and address the issues that are affecting you sooner.
Postpartum depression also responds well to treatment. Treatments we may consider include:
Because postpartum depression can have many causes and symptoms, there are many different treatments we may consider in order to find the solution that makes the most sense for your needs.
Therapist for Postpartum Depression – Flourish Psychology
Flourish Psychology offers a caring, open, comprehensive approach to postpartum depression based on who you are. We work together in the short or long term to make sure that you are thriving. We are local to the Brooklyn and New York City area, but because we can offer remote therapy, we are licensed to treat patients throughout New York State.
We encourage you to contact us today. Our therapists will create a treatment plan that you need to work towards your recovery and to feel confident in yourself as a person and a parent. Contact us today, and let’s start you on a path towards your health and wellness.
