Areas of Practice · Prenatal Depression/Anxiety
Experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety during pregnancy is one of the strongest predictors of postpartum depression.
Symptoms may include:
- Excessive worry
- Panic attacks
- Sense of dread
- Sadness
- Guilt
- Crying
- Lethargy, or low energy
- Feelings of hopelessness or despair
- Sleep disturbance (insomnia or sleeping too much)
- Eating disturbances (especially loss of appetite)
Women who have experienced a loss (for example, death of a parent or previous pregnancy loss) or a sudden change in circumstances (move to a new town, change in job or financial status) are especially vulnerable.
Women who feel ambivalent about their pregnancy or the prospect of motherhood might also experience symptoms. Our culture has such idealistic ideas about mothers and motherhood that women may be hesitant to admit to these feelings out loud.
Short-term counseling often relieves these symptoms and brings clarity and peace of mind. I can also help you to create a postpartum depression prevention plan.