Thoughts on therapy?

Yes! I went to counseling a few months after becoming a mother and still go! It has helped a ton. Also, find a mom group so you’re not lonely as often. You’re not alone!

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Good to know! I made an appointment for 2 weeks from today! Actually looking forward to it!

Hi Jill! Taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of your family. It always feels awkward to ask for help but so many different people and groups are willing to help any way they can. Good for you for wanting to feel better, you deserve to feel awesome! Never be ashamed of your feelings and know that almost all women feel the same way you do. Good luck in your journey!

I highly recommend it. When going through a major life transition like this one it’s always helpful to have a good therapist there for you. I found my personal therapist and couples therapist in network on psychology today’s therapist search. Life changer! Good luck to you Mama. You’re already doing great!

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Thank you!! This app has helped but I need some face to face time with a professional I think lol

Totally understandable. I don’t have many friends in my new city and it can be a bummer, so having my therapist has been very beneficial to me.

I didn’t go after my son was born but I have been for other things that have happened in my life and I highly recommend it! It’s helpful to be able to talk to someone that is not directly involved in your life.

I am not a mom yet but I think that therapy is general is great. When I was going through some really hard times it was easier to talk to someone who wouldn’t judge or be biased towards things and to just get it out. It’s was extremely helpful for me to move past some really difficult things

I recommend it anytime you feel you need someone to talk to. I grew up with PTSD and depression. Fortunately I don’t have postpartum depression but to be safe and prevent it I am going to start therapy. I have a full plate being a mom, myself, as well as being a caregiver and wife to a disabled veteran. I also go to a mom postpartum group for black mothers in my city as well as am apartment of other mothers groups Incase I need help someone to talk to or advice

Therapists are always good but I found getting out and going to mum meet ups just as effective - the key is socialising. Find a meet up in your area and get involved! ❤️

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Trying to organize one with a few ladies at the moment so great suggestion!!

Yes! Well, okay, I didn't actually make it in during the first year, but I started going last month and my LO is 15 months old now, it's really helpful. I'm pretty sure I started off with specifically PPA but now it's just a generalized anxiety disorder. Even if you don't have a specific diagnosis it's always helpful to be able to work through things with someone who doesn't have their own stake in it.

My therapist has been invaluable. I adore her! And can’t recommend therapy enough. Her name is Nancy Baker if you need a recommendation. She’s in oshkosh. ❤️

In therapy now For me I wouldn't say it's working and I wouldn't say it's not working It's like somewhere in the middle but I'm trying to do a lot of other things to deal with my depression.

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Hang in there sweetie. It took weeks for me to feel better.

I'm right there with you. I've heard quite a few success stories from other mamas who went to therapy for various reasons. I'll be candid, I think I'm dealing with post partum anxiety and it just effects everything at this point. For a long time I had a pretty good handle on it, but there are times now where it's been getting overwhelming. Add in the fact that someone like myself lacks a good support system, and anything life throws our way can become magnified. So I say go for it. Having an outlet at the very least, can have a really positive impact on your daily life.

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Did we just become best friends???? Lol you literally just said everything I’ve been thinking!!

I see a therapist regularly. She has been such a life saver. I think everyone should see a therapist, regardless if you have anxiety or depression or other mental illness. Everyone has things they can work on. Therapists are such amazing resources and I don’t think they are getting the credit they deserve. People are always so nervous to say they see a shrink. But good hell people...ha! Let’s stop shaming ourselves for seeking help. Therapy is one of the best things I’ve ever done. Especially as a mom, there are so many things to worry about, I find myself working on lots of mom situations with my therapist. If you can see a one, DO IT!!! She has truly changed my life for the better. Not only am I better mom but also as a person in general. Good luck!

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Amen sister 🙏🏻

i wrote everything that was going on in my head, in a journal.. it is hard to talk to others because they don't get what you are going through.. finding someone who has been in the same position to talk to could be very helpful ❤️

I would highly recommend seeing a therapist that specializes in postpartum, if you are able. My therapist was invaluable to me during that time. She knew exactly what I was going through. She even gave me ideas on what else to try to boost my mood. Including making time for myself to go to yoga once per week, to try to be vulnerable and meet other moms who had babies the same age, to journal how I was feeling, etc.

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That’s a great idea!! I should look into that!

I had postpartum anxiety. I let it go for 6 months with my first and it got really bad. I was having panic attack’s in the middle of the night three for times. So I went to a therapist and it was great. I recommend. You will learn techniques to cope with it. I feel for you momma.

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Your welcome! Also find a therapist that’s good for you!

Thank you so much!!!

Do it! I’ve been going regularly almost a year now. Wish I would’ve started right after I had my first!

I would definitely recommend. As a therapist myself, it’s such a great idea especially as a new mom. I go to therapy myself once a week and I love it. Helps a lot and gives me a place to debrief as my job as a therapist and addiction Counsellor is very stressful. Motherhood is hard, self care is so important. Do it momma :)

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Wow I’ve never heard of a therapist seeing a therapist! Lol that’s awesome and very helpful!!

Yes it helps a lot, everyone needs a therapist, self care is so important and you need to get stuff off your chest :)

In therapy currently and treating PPD. Never be afraid to seek help. Ever. It’s common to feel lonely or isolated during the first year.

I went to individual therapy and group therapy. I learned a lot of great ways to manage my stress and communicate what I’m feeling by first understanding my initial feeling towards a situation. I learned about my cognitive behaviors and how they are a factor and what I can do to change them. To put it shortly. Psychological Therapy is necessary for moms. Guiding tiny lives is overwhelming.

Therapy is so helpful at any stage in your life. I highly recommend it!

I understand this completely and have always felt my therapist was a good outlet for this situation

Absolutely! I can almost feel the difference in my stress level if I miss a session with my therapist lol I see her biweekly & it helps so much! You can say what you want& need w.o worrying about hurting someones feelings or them not understanding or self-conscious about what your feeling.

Hi Jill, I highly recommend going to see a therapist. I went through a really dark time over the summer, and to be honest. Therapy saved me. I too suffered from Postpartum depression 8 years ago and I ultimately suffered alone. I didn’t open up. It wasn’t good. If you can, please go talk to someone.

Hi Jill, I suffered from post natal depression after each of my babies (Mum of three right here🙋🏻‍♀️) therapy definitely helped along with surrounding myself with positive people who genuinely cared about me. I found it hard to talk to my husband about it as he just didn’t get it. However therapy, good nutrition and good people is what got me through along with the love for my babies ofcourse xx Thinking of you mama

I hade PPD REALLY bad.. Like I didn't want to hold my daughter... I felt like a horrible human.. I am still seeing a therapist. 8 months later. Please if you're thinking about it go!

I went to a therapist once, but it felt weird, never went back. Felt judged.

I definitely was very lonely after I had my first child and wish I would have done more. I’m currently pregnant with my second and am in therapy until I go into labor. Has definitely helped.

It might not be the same but after I lost mine and my bf’s first baby I went to seek counseling/therapy because I just felt alone. I tried to talk to him but it just wasn’t the same. There’s a place called “Better help” it’s online so you don’t have to worry about going to an office but you can do live chatting, phone calls or video messaging. You can also just message back and forth with the counselor and have check ins. It can go as slow as you want and as fast as you want. Since I found out I’m pregnant again I have a little anxiety and my counselor is helping me deal with it and keep stress levels down. You can always message me as well 💕 hope this helped.

I think most people could benefit from therapy on general.

I'd definitely suggest one. It's nice as a woman/mom to have an outlet where you don't have to fear whatever you say getting back to your family. You can be real and if you find a good one, they will help you along the journey to not feel as lonely and such. :) Best wishes sweet momma! You're not alone. ❤️

I think therapy is awesome even if you’re not feeling lonely or like you need someone to talk to but definitely when you feel like you need it. I think it’s great to check in with a third-party, unbiased person regularly (which can mean different timeframes for different people).

Therapy is great! You're not alone. We can chat if you want to talk!

My LO is a year old and i can definitely relate. A therapist may be a good idea. I have been thinking of seeing one as well. Motherhood can be so overwhelming

Hey my daughter is 2 now and im still feeling super lonely. My husband also isnt very understanding and isnt great about talking about feelings. I saw a therapist before i had my kid it was great to just get things off my chest with someone non judgemental. Try to find someone u like. And surround yourself with other moms! 💛 im here as well if you wanna chat.

Therapy saved my life. When my little one was about 2 months, I called my friend to come pick her up so she'd be taken care of until my husband got home so I could go into the bathroom and kill myself. No joke, just that calm. Talking about it helps!!! You are nowhere close to alone!

Yes! Therapy is good. You are on the right track. It’s so hard to not doubt yourself being a parent.

I recommend getting outside with a mom friend and strolling your babies together, as often as possible. Exercise, sunshine and friendship do a mama wonders. And if your friends aren't available, get out there just you and your baby!

Hi! I had postpartum anxiety and have been on meds for several months now. Got to the point where I really needed something beyond therapy but in general i agree that anyone can benefit from therapy, regardless!

Therapy can be super helpful. I will let you know to be patient and take time to find one you are comfortable with and trust or it won't work. Good luck! In the mean time if you just need some ice cream or wine and an ear, hit me up!

I definitely understand where you are coming from my first year with my daughter I was so paranoid and I would get lonely at times as well although I’m a single mom I feel as if most moms have the same symptoms and or think the same for the first year

This is my exact feeling, have you got any friends who you can talk to? I have a few distant friends who are there to chat with but am here as I think we are both in the same boat atm. Therapy could work it would be finding the time with you LO x

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Yes I do but they are long distance like yourself! I also have three sisters lol but sometimes you just need an outsiders perspective on things.

I have really considered this as well my son is almost 9 months and I work part time but I feel like it's still not enough time to get out and talk to adults I tried to tell my bf that I feel lonely but I don't think they will ever truly understand everything we go through and how we feel it's such an intense change on your mind body and soul so I've been doing yoga and it has helped me so much!! It's just finding time to do more of it!!

It has also helped a lot with the mom guilt and patience I still have a long way to go in the patience department but just gotta take it day by day I would definitely try yoga for sure!!

I had therapy and CBT within the first 18month of my daughter being born for post-natal anxiety and PTSD following birth trauma. It was amazing. I honestly think everyone should have some counselling- regardless of whether they have any mental health concerns. It’s incredibly enlightening and a way to focus on yourself so you can be the best person that you can be.

Im such an advocate but you could say I’m biased. I’m a couples and family therapist in the DFW area that specializes in maternal mental health. Ive worked with expecting and new moms through transitions of motherhood and it doesn’t mean there is a mental illness going on for most of these women’s. Therapy can be more about processing the constant adjustment and changes going on and can be less about diagnoses ❤️.

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Exactly! I just need someone to talk to in a professional setting who won’t judge me. That’s what my husband doesn’t understand and instead he’s taking it personally in a way that makes him feel like I can’t talk to him and that’s not it at all!

Do it!! You have to take care of yourself in order to be there for your family. Its ROUGH. Make yourself a priority. I went for 12 weeks after I had my baby. Sometimes I felt like it was the only thing keeping me going. It's a chance to vent, reset, get some advice and its judgement free! Hugs!

Thank you everyone for your support! I’ve read all of your comments and just the idea of taking this step has been a huge step for me! It’s nice to know I’m not alone! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Therapy is always a great idea!

You can call your insurance and see if they have an over the phone program they can suggest. That's what my insurance set me up with! It was helpful.

I just started going. I had a harder time transitioning to fulltime mom (than I thought I would), and haven't been making time for myself. I'm run down. It's been helpful to have someone knowledgeable to help me organize what's important and goals to focus my energy! I'd try it if you're having a hard time for sure! Can only help!

Therapist here, so I’m biased 😸. It can be extremely helpful to talk to another human being that’s doesn’t have a bias (partner, friend, family) and has knowledge/education around what your experiencing. Such good self-care and can translate to several areas of your life. It can take a bit to find a therapist that’s a good fit but it’s definitely worth it when you do.