Counselling Services Areas of Practice
Postpartum Depression
Put most simply, postpartum depression (PPD) refers to a depressive episode that occurs within the first year after the birth of the baby. Although most commonly seen in the person who gave birth, a partner parent can also experience postpartum mood changes. Fifteen percent of the time, depressive symptoms start during pregnancy. Postpartum depression is different from the “baby blues” which refers to transient mood changes lasting no more than two weeks. If mood changes persist for two weeks or more, you may have a postpartum depression that should be assessed. Other depressive symptoms seen more commonly in PPD include:
- Excessive worry about the baby’s health or well being
- Severe sleep deprivation
- Profound anxiety or panic attacks
- Feelings of extreme inadequacy and self-doubt, particularly around care of the
infant - Headaches
- Difficulty bonding with the baby or lack of interest in bonding
- Some people with PPD have fears or thoughts about hurting their baby but
know that they will not act on these thoughts. This is relatively common. In much
rarer cases, women may experience postpartum psychosis, which means that she
has lost contact with reality. In such cases, immediate assessment by a
medical professional is required, for the safety of both the parent and the baby.
Postpartum depression may go untreated because of the difficulty leaving home to get to an appointment or because of the intense involvement required in caring for a newborn. It is however a condition that can respond very well to counselling or in other cases medication, or both. If you would like to call or email me to discuss your personal situation, I would be happy to hear from you.
Related Articles
Top Tips for Eating Well When You’re Depressed
Practical suggestions for eating when your mood is low.
Postpartum Tips
A variety of strategies for navigating the postpartum period.
Recommended Books
Books are now linked to independent booksellers; Willow Tree Counselling receives no financial remuneration for purchases made through these links. Please consider supporting local indie bookstores - many of which are fighting to stay open.
How To Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing Top Pick
by KC Davis (2022)
While Marie Kondo taught me to let go of a lot, KC Davis helped me to forgive myself, no matter the state of my home. A boon to neurodivergent folks, those struggling with mental health issues, or anyone else who is overwhelmed by life, therapist KC Davis, offers practical, forgiving strategies and care tasks that we can all use. Highly recommended.
Operating Instructions: A Journal Of My Child’s First Year Top Pick
by Anne Lamott (1993)
A humorous and unflinchingly honest description of first-time motherhood. Lamott writes with a unique level of candour, wit and vibrancy. Even though it’s an older book, it sill represents a choice for new mothers seeking an unsentimental voice in what can sometimes feel like a sea of unattainable positivity.
Resources
Nurses Line – Health Link BC
Call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse 24/7. Other professionals available through this line include after-hours pharmacists, exercise professionals and dieticians
Kelty’s Key Online Therapy
Free, self-directed online cognitive behavioural therapy.
Crisis Services and Hotlines in Vancouver
Resource list, updated quarterly.
Reduced-Cost Counselling [PDF]
A resource list of lower-cost professional counselling options in Vancouver. Corrections and suggestions welcome.
Vancouver Access and Assessment Centre (AAC)
604-675-3700 – Joseph and Rosalie Segal Centre, Vancouver Hospital, Level 1, East Entrance
7 days a week: 7:30am-11pm. Phone, walk-in and outreach support for urgent, non life-threatening mental health and addictions issues. Response times vary. Serves residents of Vancouver.
Here to Help
BC-based website offering comprehensive information on a wealth of mental health conditions and addictions concerns.
1-800-SUICIDE
24-7 crisis service for anyone that is suicidal, thinking about suicide or for concerned friends/family. BC-wide service.
Pacific Post Partum Society
Telephone support, support groups, partner support and resources for those suffering from postpartum depression and anxiety.
Coping With Suicidal Thoughts
Self-help guide (pdf). Not intended to replace professional help.
Being There: When Mental Illness Strikes Someone Near You: A Guide for a Friend, Family Member or Co-Worker
Antidepressant Skills Workbook
Free self-care manual for depression, available in several languages. Persons with major depression should also seek help from a physician and/or professional counselling.
Mood Disorders Association of BC
Support groups, education, info and referral to people living with depression or bipolar disorder and their supporters. The MDA also has a counselling clinic.