If you or someone you know is pregnant or has recently given birth, you need to be aware that depression is common. In fact, perinatal depression occurs in about 1 in 7 women. The US Preventive Services Task Force just issued a recommendation for preventing perinatal condition and it’s surprisingly simple: talk therapy! The task force didn’t just say talk therapy can treat perinatal depression, they state there is “convincing evidence” that it can prevent perinatal depression. Studies that looked at an average of just 8 sessions found a reduction in the likelihood of perinatal depression of a whopping 39%!
As a mother myself, I can sure understand how talk therapy can help. As a first-time mom, I remember feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and worried about doing everything right. When my second child arrived, I was tired and now trying to care for a newborn and an almost 3 year-old. It was not easy! And research has shown that babies have a significant impact on many couples, and not in a good way initially. There are so many changes happening and hormones are changing– all while everyone is sleep-deprived! It’s perfectly normal to sometimes resent the changes or think that maybe the baby wasn’t quite what we expected or be sad that things will never be the same again. And yet, women who have those feelings often feel like some kind of abnormal monster instead of realizing that those are understandable and likely temporary feelings.
If you are pregnant or have a new baby, consider doing some preventive self-care for you and your family by making time to see a therapist. I invite you to give me a call (or text) to arrange a free consultation to see if you would feel comfortable working with me. My number is (816) 226-4678.
