Postpartum Services
Postpartum services offered throughout the DMV
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Postpartum anxiety (PPA) and depression (PPD) are common, treatable perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) affecting up to 1 in 5 women, causing intense sadness, fear, and worry within the first year after childbirth. Symptoms include extreme overwhelm, detachment from the baby, insomnia, or panic. Treatment includes therapy and medication.
If you or a loved one is showing signs of anxiety or depression, don’t hesitate to contact the office or use the online tool to make an appointment right away.
Motherhood is one of life’s biggest transitions
You don’t have to do it alone. Our providers take a hands-on approach to help you see improvement at every step, no matter how severe your symptoms. Just come as you are and let us take it from there.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious, long-lasting mood disorder occurring after childbirth, characterized by intense sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that interfere with daily life. Unlike the temporary "baby blues," PPD lasts longer than two weeks, often featuring intense irritability, withdrawal from loved ones, and difficulty bonding with the baby.
Post Partum Anxiety
Postpartum anxiety (PPA) is a common, treatable condition affecting ~17% of new mothers, characterized by excessive worry, dread, panic attacks, and intrusive thoughts about the baby’s safety, often appearing shortly after birth or within the first year. Symptoms include rapid heart rate, insomnia, and physical tension, which can last until treated with therapies like CBT, medication, or support groups.
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What are the symptoms of depression?
If you have feelings of sadness or worthlessness for more than a week or two, it could signal depression. Other signs of depression include:
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Feelings of hopelessness or guilt
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A loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
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Lack of energy
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Changes in weight and appetite
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Slowed speech and movements
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Issues with concentration and focus
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Thoughts of death or suicide
Even if you notice just one or two of these symptoms, it could be an indication of depression.
What symptoms does anxiety cause?
Anxiety causes a variety of symptoms, which vary between individuals. Some common anxiety symptoms include:
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Chronic stress
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Restlessness
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Fatigue
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Difficulty concentrating
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Irritability
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Muscle tension
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Problems sleeping
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Repeated nightmares
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Headaches or stomach aches
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Nausea or vomiting
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Individuals suffering from anxiety often worry obsessively about their relationships with friends and peers, their performance at work, and other important issues in their lives. These worries are frequent or constant and tend to be exaggerated.
Anxiety makes it difficult to feel joy, limits social interactions, and could stop you from achieving your goals. However, with expert assessment and support, you can overcome anxiety. If your displaying these symptoms, schedule an appointment with our providers at DMV Psychiatric Wellness.
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How is anxiety and depression treated?
The sooner you get the proper treatment, the sooner you can learn to manage your anxiety. At DMV Psychiatric Wellness, one of the most successful anxiety treatments is behavior therapy. That form of treatment focuses on changing anxiety-related behaviors.
For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you reorganize your thoughts, encouraging positive and assertive functioning. You learn to recognize anxiety, understand how your body responds to it, and develop a plan to tackle these feelings when they appear.
Other behavioral health techniques that can help treat anxiety include role-playing, gradual desensitization, relaxation techniques, and modeling appropriate behaviors. Medication might also be necessary for some.
Overcome anxiety by calling DMV Psychiatric Wellness today or scheduling a consultation online.
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Getting help from a qualified clinician can help you talk through and learn new behaviors to help you overcome depression. We can work with you to understand how daily life, family, social connections, school, and work affect and may exacerbate your feelings.
He can also help if depression is having an impact on your physical health. Addiction and depression often occur together and can make each condition worse.
We customize your treatment plan using a combination of talk therapy, behavior modification, and, possibly, medications. He teaches you how to reach out to friends and family for support, even when not in therapy.
​If you or a loved one needs help managing depression, contact DMV Psychiatric Wellness today. Call the office or use this website to make an appointment online.