Oct 11, 2024
Giving birth is one of the greatest joys of adult life, and one of its greatest challenges. In New Jersey, Postpartum Depression and Anxiety affect a little over 1 in 10 mothers. New mothers frequently report feeling drained, burnt out, exhausted, depressed, and anxious.
Mortality rates for new mothers and mothers giving birth are much lower than it used to be, but still not zero. While medical advancements are helping labor become safer, new mental health measures must be put into place to help ease the transition after birth.
New Jersey has responded to this issue with a new home visiting program: Family Connects NJ. The program pairs new mothers with medical professionals to “spend time with the family, answer questions, provide reassurance, and do a full checkup of the birthing parent and newborn.”
Family Connects NJ highlights an important missing piece in new mother and family health: mental health. Reassurance, a chance to ask questions, and the focus put back on an exhausted parent reduces rates of postpartum depression and anxiety and increases the chances of a healthy mother and child.
This article will go over the options available for new parents, including the importance of family therapy in New Jersey.
What are postpartum depression and anxiety?
Postpartum depression and anxiety are common mental health issues that occur after giving birth. The sudden change in hormones combined with the stress of a newborn, lack of sleep, and the drastic shift in lifestyle can result in anxiety, depression, and even postpartum anger in some new parents.
Symptoms of postpartum depression include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness after childbirth
- Severe mood swings, including irritability, anxiety, or excessive crying
- Difficulty bonding with the baby or feeling detached from them
- Intense fatigue and lack of energy, even with adequate rest
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns that are unrelated to the baby's needs
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach issues, or muscle pain without a clear cause
Symptoms of postpartum anxiety include:
- Excessive worry or fear, particularly about the baby's health, well-being, or safety
- Persistent feelings of restlessness, agitation, or nervousness
- Difficulty sleeping, even when the baby is sleeping or during opportunities for rest
- Intrusive thoughts, often related to worst-case scenarios or potential harm coming to the baby
- Physical symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat, trembling, sweating, or dizziness
- Avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety, such as leaving the house or being alone with the baby
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks due to overwhelming anxiety
- Irritability or edginess, especially when faced with uncertainty or change
- Feelings of being on edge or constantly "on alert" for potential dangers or problems
- Physical symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress, headaches, or muscle tension related to anxiety
In addition to meeting the physical needs of new mothers and their children, Family Connects NJ aims to reduce the rates of postpartum depression and anxiety in New Jersey mothers by providing in-home care and answering any questions the new parents may have.
Family therapy can also help new parents adjust to the birth of a child. The focus after birth is often on the health of the newborn child, while neglecting the health of the birthing parent and the importance of other family members in her health. Family therapy can help change that.
How does family therapy help with postpartum mental health?
Family therapy can build a sturdy foundation for a family to build upon. Knowing how to build healthy familial relationships is important. After a birth, relationships are likely to change and family roles take on new meaning. If you have other children, sibling bonds may become strained or are vulnerable in their newness. Making sure parents are communicating effectively and sharing the load is also vital for this phase of life.
Family therapy for postpartum mental health can help:
- Adjustment to Parenthood: Navigating the transition to parenthood can be challenging, and family therapy can offer a safe space to address the changes and challenges that arise during this time. It provides an opportunity for open communication and understanding between partners as they adapt to their new roles and responsibilities.
- Bonding and Attachment: Family therapy can help strengthen the bond between parents and the new baby, offering guidance on building a secure attachment and creating a nurturing environment for the infant's development.
- Conflict Resolution: It's common for tension and conflicts to emerge between partners as they adjust to the changes brought about by a new baby. Family therapy can provide strategies for resolving conflicts, improving communication, and fostering mutual support and understanding.
- Postpartum Anxiety and Depression: Family therapy can address postpartum mental health concerns, providing support for partners in recognizing and addressing symptoms of postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges.
- Co-Parenting Skills: Family therapy can aid in developing effective co-parenting strategies, promoting teamwork, and shared responsibilities in caring for the new baby.
- External Support Systems: It can help identify and strengthen external support systems, such as extended family and friends, to provide additional support and resources for the new parents and the baby.
- Strengthening the Family Unit: Family therapy can focus on strengthening the family unit as a whole, nurturing a positive and supportive environment for the well-being and development of both the parents and the newborn.
Family therapy is an often overlooked but powerful tool after giving birth. You want your family to take this new adjustment as one unit, working together and building the beginnings of bonds that will last a lifetime. Family therapy can help.
How to protect your mental health after giving birth
Therapy isn’t the only way to help prevent or manage postpartum depression and anxiety. It’s also important to have your own coping mechanisms. A “coping mechanism” is a behavior that reduces distress, and can come in many different forms.
If you’ve recently welcomed a new child into your life, here are some coping mechanisms to protect your mental health:
- Ask for help: No one should raise a child on their own. If you’re a single parent, lean on your support system of friends, family, or members of organizations you’re a part of (like church, a sports team, or school).
- Make time for yourself: Don’t underestimate the power of 10, 15, or 30 minutes. Wherever you can, protect your personal time by engaging meaningfully with yourself. What do your body and mind truly need right now? Is it a nap, a shower, or time spent doing a hobby or calling a friend?
- Connect with other new parents: Despite having a new life to look after, being a new mom can feel…lonely, especially if you’re an only parent or a stay-at-home parent. Join local groups or online communities for a sense of belonging and support.
- Talk to your therapist if symptoms flare up: If you begin to notice signs of postpartum depression or anxiety, talk to a mental health professional. Postpartum mental health issues are common, but are much easier to manage when you address them sooner rather than later.
If family therapy isn’t for you, individual therapy can also be empowering and healing. Talk to a therapist near you about your struggles. Lifebulb Counseling and Therapy has over a hundred therapists to choose from, located throughout the U.S. Contact our team for more information or browse our list of therapists yourself to find a fit for you.
