Postpartum anxiety & Postpartum depression Treatment in Westchester, NY

Your baby is here and life feels unrecognizable. Your identity, body, marriage, or partnership, friendships, and life have all changed. It’s supposed to be one of the most joy-filled times in life. Yet, so many people feel like they’re unprepared for the experience and the isolation. You may not be sure why you are so anxious, sad, depressed, or why you’re having those very scary thoughts. You wonder, isn’t this supposed to be the happiest time of my life?

One in five women will develop a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder during pregnancy. Or, within 12 months of giving birth. It's common to wonder, "why me?", What did I do wrong?". You did nothing wrong. PMADs are very common. You’re not alone.

Many women may feel depressed after having a baby. But, the most common symptoms that women will feel are anxiety and a sense of being overwhelmed. Too many women don’t seek postpartum depression treatment because they assume that since they aren’t depressed. So, they must not have PPD.

What is Postpartum Depression?

Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

• Feelings of helplessness and/or hopelessness

• Difficulty in making decisions

• Changes in sleeping and/or eating patterns

• Isolation and withdrawal from the community and loved ones

• Frequent feelings of “I can’t do this”

• Not feeling like yourself

• Intrusive thoughts, images, fears of harm coming to your baby that you can not stop and that you know are wrong

• Irritability, impatience, rage

• Difficulty attaching and bonding to your baby

What is Postpartum Anxiety?

The postpartum phase can bring up many fears. You’re navigating a drastic hormonal shift. You often feel a great sense of responsibility to care for your baby. You may have experienced a traumatic birth or had a prior anxiety disorder diagnosis. Thus, you are predisposed to experience postpartum anxiety. Sometimes these feelings subside within two weeks. Other times, the feeling of being “on edge” stays. It can interfere with your functioning beyond the 2-week mark. It is healthy to want to keep your baby safe and protected. But, a constant state of worry around your baby’s well-being is likely a symptom of something greater.

Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety:

• Struggle to sleep due to fear of something happening to your baby.

• Checking on baby’s breathing again and again.

• Having difficulty putting your baby down/not being near the baby at all times.

• Consistently feeling distracted and consumed.

• Experiencing obsessive thoughts about ways to keep baby safe.

• Easily overwhelmed

What is Postpartum OCD

Postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of perinatal anxiety disorder. It can develop after a woman gives birth. Women with this condition experience obsessive thoughts that are difficult to control. They also engage in compulsive behaviors. This helps relieve the anxiety caused by the obsessions.

The most common obsessions are about germs, contamination, and harm coming to the baby. For example, a woman may have thoughts about dropping the baby or fear that the baby could stop breathing. In response, she may often clean, check, avoid certain places or situations, and/or try to suppress those thoughts. A key feature of postpartum OCD is that women find their obsessions to be upsetting and scary.

OCD tends to develop in response to stress. Giving birth and becoming a parent is a stressful experience. This explains why new mothers are at increased risk of developing OCD.

Symptoms of Postpartum OCD:

• Having thoughts that are both repetitive and intrusive. They feel as if they get stuck in your mind and are disturbing. They are often concerning harm to the baby.

• Intense and overwhelming guilt and shame, often around the thoughts

• Feeling very distressed by the thoughts you’re having

• Being hypervigilant, especially about the safety of your baby

• Engaging in behaviors in response and to calm or neutralize to the repetitive thoughts

My Approach to Anxiety, OCD, and postpartum depression treatment in Westchester, NY

I am here for you no matter what stage you are at. There is no shame in asking for help.

No matter which symptoms you might be experiencing, they are treatable with professional help. Postpartum depression and anxiety treatment can help you feel more like yourself. Together, we can learn to take care of your needs during this period of change.

We will work to get a better understanding of your experiences that have affected your struggles today. I offer compassion and curiosity to help address the issues affecting you.

We will talk about:

• Your support system

• Risk factors

• Societal pressures

• Possible trauma or triggers

• Your birth experience

• Experiences with the medical system

• Your relationships

Then, we will come up with a co-created strengths-based plan to support you. We will also be using evidence-based practices. This includes mindfulness techniques to help you remain calm and grounded. It also includes identifying what emotions are getting triggered, slowing reactions, and developing a compassionate understanding of yourself.

How will you feel after treatment:

• Feeling more like yourself

• Improved emotional energy to connect more deeply with friends and family

• Feeling more comfortable in your body. This means having the confidence and comfort you need to take care of yourself physically

• Better sleep

• Calmness

• Improved concentration and mental clarity

• The ability to focus on other things besides the thoughts and feelings that are consuming you

• Feeling like you have your life back

• Developing a sense of connection to your body

• Fewer intrusive thoughts

• Mood stability and fewer bouts of unexplained crying or sadness

Postpartum depression treatment can help you take control of your thoughts and get out of the spiral of depression, anxiety, or despair. I will help you navigate through your fears, feel calmer, and feel more connected to both you and your baby.

Begin Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum OCD, and Postpartum Depression Treatment in Westchester, NY

Having a newborn brings exciting, stressful, and complex changes. You deserve support as you work through these newfound feelings, and I would be happy to support you! I offer support from my Westchester County therapy practice where I see clients from Pleasantville, Chappaqua, Bedford, and Mt. Kisco. To start postpartum treatment, follow these simple steps:

1. Schedule a free 10-20 minute consultation

2. Learn more about me

3. Start feeling more connected to your baby

Other Services Offered by Joanna N. Rosenblatt

Postpartum depression treatment isn't the only service I provide. I offer many services from my Westchester, NY-based therapy practice, and throughout New York via online therapy. Services offered include therapy for women, EMDR therapy, trauma therapy, anxiety treatment, and therapy for infertility. I also provide OCD treatment and support for sexuality and intimacy issues. Visit my about me page to learn more helpful information!