Are You Struggling with Postpartum Mental Health?

The postpartum period is a time of immense change. It’s a time that many expect to be filled with joy, bonding, and love—but for many parents, it can also be a time of intense emotional ups and downs, and mental health challenges. 

Have you found yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected since becoming a parent? 
Are you experiencing intrusive thoughts, extreme worry, or unexpected bouts of sadness and irritability? 
Has it been difficult to communicate how you are feeling to your partner or support system?

These feelings may leave you wondering, "What's wrong with me? Why can't I just feel happy like everyone says I should?" It’s important to recognize that you are not alone in this experience.

Postpartum mental health concerns, such as postpartum depression (PPD), postpartum anxiety (PPA), perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (P-OCD), negative emotions as a result of birth trauma, and even postpartum psychosis, affect many new parents. These conditions can bring about feelings of guilt, fear, and confusion, often making it challenging to reach out for help. 

At Wild Hope Therapy, we understand and are extensively trained in perinatal/maternal mental health conditions. We believe in creating a compassionate and supportive environment where you can feel safe discussing your symptoms and begin to heal. With the help of counseling, you can heal, develop relevant coping skills, and begin to parent with authenticity. 

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) are the most Common – and most treatable – complication of pregnancy and childbirth 

Many parents find themselves feeling lost or overwhelmed after giving birth. Irritability, rage, communication breakdowns, loss of identity, and heightened anxiety are all common experiences during the postpartum period. In fact, 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression, and up to 20% of new mothers and up to 10% of new fathers may face some form of PMAD during this first 12 months of their child’s life. These symptoms are often triggered by hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the intense pressure of caring for a new life. It's not a sign of weakness, nor does it make you a bad parent.

Knowing that these experiences are common can help you feel less isolated. Maybe you’ve found yourself snapping at your partner or feeling paralyzed by fear that something bad might happen to your baby. Perhaps you’ve had intrusive thoughts that make you feel ashamed or afraid. These thoughts and feelings, while distressing, are not uncommon. At Wild Hope Therapy, we believe in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health during the postpartum period. We want you to know that these experiences are normal, your feelings are valid, and that there is hope for healing. We’re here to help you navigate these challenges with compassion, understanding, and professional care.

How Therapy Can Help You Heal After Starting a Family

Therapy can be a powerful tool for addressing mental health challenges after becoming a parent. At Wild Hope Therapy, our goal is to provide a supportive space where you can explore your feelings, understand your experiences, and develop strategies for healing and growth. Our therapists are highly trained and many are certified or working towards their certification in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International. We use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to address the unique needs of each client. Some of the approaches we use include:

• Strengths-Based Psychodynamic Therapy: We help you explore the roots of your feelings and behaviors to gain insight into your current experiences. By understanding the underlying patterns that may be contributing to your distress, you can begin to create meaningful changes in your life.

• Relational Therapy: We focus on improving relationships, including your relationship with yourself. As a new parent, the connection with your partner, family, and friends can become strained. Relational therapy helps you build healthier communication patterns and deeper emotional connections.

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): We address interpersonal issues and life transitions that may be contributing to your postpartum mental health challenges. IPT is especially effective for those struggling with mood disorders related to significant life changes, such as becoming a parent.

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): We help you challenge and change unhelpful beliefs and thoughts that may be contributing to your distress, particularly useful for those experiencing postpartum OCD or anxiety.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): We teach skills to help you manage overwhelming emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and improve your ability to navigate distressing situations.

Our therapy sessions are tailored to your unique needs. We take time to understand your history, your perinatal experience, and your goals for the future as an individual and a parent. Whether it’s helping you reconnect with your partner, find joy in motherhood, or simply feel more like yourself, we’re here to support you in making those goals a reality.

Remember, you don’t have to face these feelings alone. Our perinatal team is here to help you find clarity, feel more in control, and build the life you want after becoming a parent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Therapy

Will my therapist be trained in perinatal mental health?

Absolutely. We have a strong, experienced and committed team of perinatal therapists at Wild Hope Therapy who are specifically trained by and certified or working towards certification (PMH-C) by Postpartum Support International. We have extensive experience working with clients facing postpartum depression and/or anxiety, perinatal OCD, and postpartum psychosis. Our expertise ensures you’ll have the most informed and compassionate care possible.

Will my therapist judge me as a parent?

No, our therapists are here to support, not judge. We understand that parenting is incredibly challenging, and we’re here to provide a safe space where you can express your feelings and work through your struggles without fear of judgment. You are doing the best you can, and we are here to help.

I am a busy parent. Will I be able to do telehealth or bring my baby to a session so I can attend?

Yes, we offer flexible options to accommodate your needs. We provide telehealth sessions so you can receive therapy from the comfort of your home. If in-person sessions work better for you, you are welcome to bring your baby with you to our Columbus or Cleveland, Ohio offices. We want to make therapy as accessible and stress-free as possible.

Why Choose Wild Hope Therapy?

At Wild Hope Therapy, we are committed to offering a compassionate, affirming, and strengths-based approach to therapy. Our specialty in treating women and providing perinatal therapy allows us to provide the expert care needed for postpartum mental health challenges. We also offer a free, 15-minute phone consultation with no commitment required, giving you a chance to learn more about us and see if we’re the right fit for your journey to healing.