Postpartum Depression

The birth of a child can introduce many changes into a woman’s life. At times, the stress combined with these life transition challenges can lead to postpartum depression. If you feel as though you may be experiencing postpartum depression, our Ottawa counselling services can help you. Postpartum counselling can help in the childbearing year and beyond, as many woman who experience postpartum depression may also experience a depressive episode at another time in their lives (CPA fact sheet).

What Is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is often characterized by extreme anxiety, loss of self-confidence, low mood, tearfulness and lack of interest in normally pleasurable things. Women may seriously doubt their ability to cope with all the demands of motherhood.

They may feel like running away which leads to extreme guilt and further increases self-doubt. While postpartum depression can affect any woman, these symptoms are often worse in women who tend to be perfectionists, have had other episodes of depression or anxiety, who have suffered abuse in the past or have little or no support. Postpartum depression affects the whole family.

Symptoms Of Postpartum Depression

It is important to seek help if you are pregnant or have given birth in the last year, and experience any or multiple of the symptoms below:

- Feel anxious and unable to cope with the demands you are facing
- Feel hopeless and disengaged
- Wish you could run away and escape from your current situation
- Feel guilty and bad about yourself
- Are having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else
- Are unable to enjoy your life

If you or a loved one are feeling any of the above symptoms during or after pregnancy contact one of our specialized counsellors today.

Counsellors Specializing in Postpartum Depression

What Causes Postpartum Depression?

Capital Choice Counselling Group has several therapists who specialize in working with women experiencing postpartum depression as well as the normal adjustment to parenthood. Studies show that therapy is one of the most effective treatments for PPD. Recent studies have found that rates of postpartum depression in women are as high as 25%. Two explanations exist for this high rate of depression after the birth of a child:

1. Chemical imbalances caused by pregnancy
2. Life changes that occur with the birth of a child

During pregnancy, hormones in the body gradually change as the child matures. When the child is born, this change becomes more abrupt, which can throw a new mother’s internal balance off. In addition to this shift, new mothers are often exhausted and overwhelmed by the stresses of labor and childcare. Postpartum depression can last several months to a year, and in that time it can cause serious problems with a new mother’s ability to cope with emerging challenges. Several members of our team of counsellors are specially trained in dealing with postpartum depression, and can help get you back on track.

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How Does Postpartum Depression Counselling Work?

Our Ottawa counsellors work with your entire family to help create a support network that can help you heal faster. There’s nothing more important to us than the wellbeing of you and your child. Later in life, women often deal with depression related to changing hormones during menopause. During that time, therapy can be very helpful in addressing stress and negative thinking. Contact us today and book an appointment with one of our specialized counsellors.