- My Clients’ Struggles Aren’t Always Visible
Sometimes you can’t tell from the outside when someone is suffering from postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) like postpartum depression or anxiety.
Often, when moms are struggling, they go out of their way to look put together and suppress any expressions of vulnerability. It’s scary to feel like something is wrong when everyone seems to expect you to be glowing with new motherhood and excited about this new stage in your life. But untreated PMADS can affect not only your mental state, but your sleep, appetite and physical recovery.
- Not All of My Clients Have a Diagnosis — And That’s Okay
Not all of my clients are suffering from a postpartum mood disorder. Some simply need a space to process the immense transition into motherhood. Therapy doesn’t have to be about crisis intervention; it can be a safe space to explore the emotions, challenges and identity shifts that come with this new phase of life.
You don’t have to fit the criteria for a clinical diagnosis of a postpartum mood disorder to work with me in the postpartum period. Sometimes, a diagnosis is required for technical reasons, such as documentation or referrals, but in these cases, I often use “adjustment disorder,” which describes the mental challenge of adapting to a big life transition or stressful event (Hello, motherhood!). But to be honest, most new moms could probably benefit from designating a set time to talk about their feelings with someone who’s not their partner, mom or the group chat (though those support systems can be a great help!).
Therapy in the postpartum period offers a safe and nonjudgmental space to process feelings and behaviors that may be surprising, confusing or overwhelming — even if you’re not worried you have a postpartum mood disorder. Motherhood is a lot, and you deserve to be championed and supported. This is part of caring for your health, too.
- My Clients Sometimes Realize They’ve Actually Been Struggling for a Long Time
I often meet clients who tell me they’ve felt anxious or depressed before — maybe even always — but they managed to “keep it together” and never sought therapy. Then motherhood happened. Suddenly, the experience of constantly treading water no longer felt manageable. And with good reason.
As a new mom, lack of sleep, new responsibilities, hormone shifts, and anxiety about this tiny, brand-new human pile on overnight. It’s a lot. The silver lining? For many, this breaking point becomes a breakthrough. Many clients find that treating this suddenly overwhelming anxiety or depression gives them insight into the part of themselves that has always been prone to these feelings. With this insight, my clients often feel better prepared to take on challenges that previously felt impossible due to untreated anxiety or depression.
- Sometimes, My Clients Choose Medication — And Almost Always, They’re Glad They Did
When my clients make the decision to take medication like SSRIs to help treat their postpartum mood disorder, they do so under the guidance of a prescribing medical provider. The decision can feel overwhelming or stressful at first, but upon reflection, it often proves to be an important part of their healing journey.
Medications like SSRIs can support the work we do in therapy by lowering the volume on intrusive, depressive or anxious thoughts so that the part of you that knows you deserve calm and clarity can help get you there. There’s a lot of unnecessary shame around medication, but choosing to take an SSRI is not a sign of failure; it’s a tool, just like therapy, sleep or social support. For many, it’s a legitimate and effective part of a holistic healthcare plan, no different than taking medication for high blood pressure or thyroid health.
- They Are Brave. Always.
Anyone who shows up to therapy during this vulnerable time, when their sense of self and identity is shifting, when hormones are out of whack, when relationships may feel strained, and when a brand-new human has been foisted upon them without even a reliable instruction manual, is brave.
Talking about how you’re feeling, even when you fear judgment, takes courage. Acknowledging that you’re struggling, even when you wonder if you should be able to handle it on your own, takes strength.
Reaching out for support isn’t weakness — it’s one of the strongest things you can do as a parent. Maternal mental health is women’s health. When we support moms emotionally, we support their entire well-being — mind and body.
Chana Brauser, LCSW, PMH-C, is a therapist in private practice providing telehealth therapy services in Florida and New Jersey. She received a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International and specializes in reproductive and perinatal mental health, supporting individuals through pregnancy, postpartum infertility, parenthood, and related challenges. Chana is deeply committed to size inclusive therapy and providing a welcoming, nonjudgmental space to explore body image, societal pressures, and self-acceptance. To schedule an appointment with Chana, visit chanabrausercounseling.com.
