Postpartum Anxiety & Depression
Therapy in Missouri & Utah
I wanted to be a mom so badly and now it feels like I'm failing at the one thing I'm supposed to be good at.
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I wanted to be a mom so badly and now it feels like I'm failing at the one thing I'm supposed to be good at. _
Everything is just so overwhelming. I don't know how I can keep going like this.
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Everything is just so overwhelming. I don't know how I can keep going like this. _
I feel like I'm drowning in responsibilities, like I can't keep my head above water.
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I feel like I'm drowning in responsibilities, like I can't keep my head above water. _
I smile and act like all is well but inside I am collapsing.
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I smile and act like all is well but inside I am collapsing. _
If you've had any of these thoughts/feelings, you may be experiencing postpartum anxiety or depression. It's okay! You are a good Mom and good Mom's need support. You are not in this alone. Postpartum Anxiety & Depression manifest in different ways; it is not a one size fits all.
can stand alongside you on this journey. You do not ever have to go through it alone.
Waves of Motherhood: Therapy for Moms
What is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum Anxiety can feel and look different for every Mom.
In general it is...
an overwhelming sense of worry
feeling like the other shoe is bound to drop and doing everything to try and protect yourself from that feared inevitable
knowing you have so much to do but can't quite even complete the simplest of tasks
feeling as though your baseline is anger/irritable
not being able to sleep well or at all despite being exhausted.
Postpartum Anxiety in Motherhood
Postpartum Anxiety in motherhood can be like standing at the edge of the water, watching the waves roll in. Just as the waves can be powerful and unpredictable, anxiety can make you feel like you're constantly on edge, waiting for something to go wrong and in turn difficult to feel grounded and in control of your emotions. When you're struggling with anxiety, it can be hard to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of motherhood. The fear and worry can be like a current that pulls you out to sea, leaving you feeling helpless and adrift. Anxiety can feel like the waves of worry and fear are crashing down on you, leaving you feeling unsteady and unsure of yourself. The constant churn of thoughts and concerns can make it hard to enjoy the calm moments of motherhood, and can leave you feeling like you're always waiting for the next wave to crash.
But just as a skilled surfer can ride the waves and enjoy the thrill of the ride, therapy can help you learn to manage your anxiety and find ways to enjoy the ups and downs of motherhood. By working together, we can help you develop the skills and tools you need to stay afloat in the face of anxiety, and ride the waves of motherhood with confidence and grace. By working together, I can help you identify the sources of your anxiety, develop coping mechanisms to manage your symptoms, and find ways to anchor yourself to a sense of calm and stability, even when the waves are high.
With time and practice, you can learn to harness the power of the waves and use them to propel you forward, like a seasoned surfer who knows how to navigate even the most challenging conditions. If you're struggling with anxiety in motherhood, don't be afraid to take the plunge and seek out the support you need to ride the waves with confidence and joy.
I will help you…
Understand where postpartum anxiety comes from and how it spills into other parts of life.
Anxiety can prevent you from communicating the way you want, it can keep you up at night, tell you to stay home when you actually want to see friends, and so much more that can have a taxing effect on your body and mind.
Anxiety pulls you out of your body. Instead of checking in with yourself and how your emotions, you are completely stuck in our own mind pondering how things will go wrong or how you're messing up.
Explore your body’s sensations and thoughts when postpartum anxiety levels are high.
Learn skills to help manage postpartum anxiety and negative self talk.
Therapy will help to build up your tool belt with effective skills that work specifically for you and adjust your long term self-talk.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum Depression can look and feel different for every Mom. In general, depression in motherhood appears as...
an overwhelming sense of sadness or dread
you may not want to go anywhere at all
thinking about getting ready for the day feels like an expedition you didn't sign up for
maybe you are losing weight from having no appetite
forming a line of conscious, logical thoughts is incredibly near impossible
you are so exhausted you barely make it through the day or look back on the day and do not know how you kept yourself and baby alive
thoughts of being the worst mom on the planet
extreme guilt for not being able to care for yourself and baby properly
thoughts or plans to harm yourself and/or your baby.
Postpartum Depression in Motherhood
Postpartum Depression in motherhood can feel like being caught in a riptide in the ocean. At first, you might not even realize you're being pulled away from shore - the waves just feel a little stronger than usual, but you think you can handle it. But then, all of a sudden, you look up and you are way further out than you meant to be. You're struggling to keep your head above water, feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, and the shore feels impossibly far away. It can is disorienting and overwhelming.
That's how depression can sneak up on you as a mom. At first, it might just feel like a bad day or a tough phase, but before you know it, you're in deep and struggling to find your way back to solid ground. The weight of motherhood can feel like an undertow, pulling you down and making it hard to catch your breath. When you're struggling with depression, it can feel like your thoughts are clouded and your emotions are in turmoil. The responsibilities as a mother and the challenges of everyday life can make it hard to navigate your way through the murky waters of your mind.
But just like with a riptide, there's a way to get back to safety. You can call out for help, and someone will be there to throw you a lifeline. That's where therapy comes in - I can help you navigate the currents of depression and find your way back to shore. I can provide a steady and reliable presence to help you navigate your way back to clarity and emotional well-being. Together, we can work on building your resilience and giving you the tools to stay afloat even when the waves are high. With time and support, you can navigate your way through the rough waters of depression and find your way back to the calm and peaceful shore of emotional balance, resilience, and the joys of motherhood.
I will help you…
Depression can hinder your ability to express yourself effectively, disrupt your sleep patterns, and discourage you from engaging in activities you enjoy. These symptoms can take a toll on both your physical and mental well-being, impacting various aspects of your daily life and relationships.
Understand where postpartum depression comes from and how it spills into other parts of life.
Rather than being present with your emotions and experiences, you may find yourself trapped in negative thoughts, fixating on perceived failures or anticipating things going wrong. This disconnect can lead to a sense of detachment and inner turmoil, making it challenging to engage fully in the present moment.
Create a safe and nonjudgmental environment where you can openly express your thoughts, feelings, and struggles without fear of criticism.
Learn skills to help manage postpartum depression and negative thought patterns.
Therapy will help to build up your tool belt with effective skills that work specifically for you and adjust your long term self-talk.
Looking for Counseling for Moms in Missouri or Utah?
Get started with a complimentary 10-15 minute phone consultation. Email Jessica today to get started. Let's bring more joy and confidence into your motherhood journey.