Postpartum Support 

Maternal Mental Health Support for Postpartum Anxiety and Depression 

As a society, we are becoming more aware of the stressors and emotions associated with postnatal mothers. Mom’s carry a whole human in them for 9 months and have insane changes to go through. Then after the birth, they are expected to heal quickly and become the mother they are supposed to be. This creates negative stigma when moms struggle to connect, partners are not as lenient with their emotions, and families and workplaces often shame women for not having it together. It is honestly not fair after everything you went through to become a mom and bring a new person into the world.  

You may now be feeling overwhelmed, guilty, and not in control of your feelings. In fact, you feel should have it together, right?! Often moms have feelings of shame and guilt for having difficulty bonding with their newborn. They may often find that they neglect their own needs and sometimes even the infants. This can lead to more shame when you cannot take care of yourself, your spouse, or your newborn. On top of that, moms often feel alone in their feelings. No one seems to understand. Moms are delicate until they are not, and then they are held to the standards of everyone else.  

Often moms struggle to give themselves grace and forgive themselves, but when everyone else is watching them and placing their judgment often their own rationale is ignored. If it feels hopeless and helpless, you are not alone. In fact, if you find that your feelings are often being ignored or minimized, unfortunately, moms everywhere deal with this. That is why getting postpartum support for postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression matters. 

Postpartum Depression often presents as:

• Sad or depressed moods 
• You find you are losing interest in activities you once enjoyed 
• Appetite changes 
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much 
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue 
• Increase in purposeless physical activity  
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt 
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions 
• Thoughts of death or suicide  
• Crying for “no reason” 
• Lack of interest in the baby, not feeling bonded to the baby, or feeling very anxious about/around the baby 
• Feelings of being a bad mother 
• Fear of harming the baby or oneself 

Postpartum Anxiety often presents as:

• Increased heart rate 
• Shortness of breath 
• Inability to sleep 
• Muscle tension in the back, neck, and shoulders 
• Stomachache 
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight loss 
• Dizziness 
• Nausea 
• Nervous thoughts that control your brain 
• Recurring negative thoughts of worry and worst-case scenarios involving the baby’s health 
• Thoughts that you are not a good enough mother 
• Deliberately avoiding situations and interactions out of fear that something bad will happen 
• Feeling constant “nervous energy” 
• Feeling on edge 
• Guilt and shame that you are not doing things right 
• Irritability and frustration 
• Restlessness and tension

Getting Postpartum Support is A Necessary Step in Normalizing What You are Experiencing

I know you are feeling overwhelmed, guilty, and full of shame that you feel you are not doing enough, but you are doing the best you can. Even when it feels like it is not enough. Postpartum Anxiety and depression are real and it takes time to overcome. Your body has changed and done something amazing. Healing takes time and it is important that you learn to give yourself grace, even when everyone else is telling you otherwise. Whether you are experiencing anger issues, frustration, bonding issues, lack of trust, depression, anxiety, tiredness, having difficulty maintaining basic needs for the child, or Unresolved issues end up affecting the marriage and relationships. You are not alone! 

Here is what I can tell you, as a therapist in California who offers support for maternal mental health, I know that with everything on your plate, it seems like you cannot ever do enough. There will be plenty of time to think about what you could have done better 18 years from now when your child is an adult. Whether this is your first child or your fifth, ok to struggle. Our bodies change and so does our mental health. Let us talk in therapy for moms or postpartum support to see how you can get the best support.

Elevate You Counseling’s Approach to Providing Postpartum Support 

At Elevate You Counseling in California, our online therapist’s guide conversations focused on your feelings. We provide a CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and a person-centered approach. You are the expert in your own life, and only you can decide what makes the most sense for you. However, in a space where you are not getting the support and validation, you need, providing a safe place for you to talk freely without any judgment is key. We want to help you understand and normalize that you are not alone. Moms do not get credit for their strength and their selflessness. However, we cannot pour from an empty cup. Our online therapists understand seeking help is one of the hardest things that you may have done. It shows your strength. 

Ready for some much-needed postpartum support in California? 

It takes some work to get through all the layers of emotions and thought processes you are experiencing. With time, you can work through the negative thought patterns and feelings. You will gain insight and acceptance that they are not alone. Together, we will help you develop a healthier support system, rebuild trust, and learn how to balance parenting and personal care.

Begin Receiving Support for Moms with Elevate You Counseling?

Calling all moms. You are allowed to struggle and need support. Let us work together and get you the postpartum support you have been searching for. By talking with a trained, knowledgeable, and understanding online therapist at Elevate You Counseling, you can gradually begin to restructure your life in a way that supports you and your family. To get started in therapy, follow these simple steps:  

1. Contact Elevate Counseling  
2. Talk with a skilled online therapist  
3. Begin talking through your feelings of overwhelm, shame, and guilt in a safe space. 

Other Therapy Services at Elevate You Counseling  

At Elevate You Counseling, we strive to support families, veterans, and more. You have a space in our practice. If you are a mom who needs help, postpartum support can help you. For those looking for other services, we can help you as well. Other services we offer in our counseling practice in California include individual therapy, elder care, and counseling for caregivers, family therapy, depression treatment, anxiety treatment, therapy for moms, therapy for veterans, PTSD treatment and trauma therapy, infertility therapy, and groups for grief and loss. If you are ready to take the next steps and work through any issues holding you back, we are here to help. Get in touch in person or via online therapy in California today!  

If you think your family would benefit from working with a licensed medical professional, please reach out to us.