Depression After Birth Trauma
Birth trauma is something that is incredibly difficult, something that happens more often than you think, but is very infrequently discussed. There is so much stigma surrounding birth trauma and the subsequent emotions that come along with it, such as, anxiety, depression, fear, guilt, etc. And because there is so much stigma, people tend to experience these feelings alone. But you don’t have to! Depression after a birth trauma is incredibly common and is something that should be discussed because there are things you can do to minimize these feelings, or at the very least, work through them with some help. Many women experience birth trauma, and most of those women experience depression after birth trauma. It is important to recognize these feelings and open up about them, don’t keep them inside. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are experiencing depression after birth trauma!
Talk about it and own it…
So many women experience depression following a birth trauma, and so many women suffer in silence, because they are afraid of what people might say or think if they open up about it. This is the worst thing you can do because bottling it up tears you apart and gives the depression and the negative thoughts power. If you open up about it, own how you are feeling, and talk about what you are feeling – you are taking the power back! Reach out to your personal support network, reach out to an online support network – tell your story and own your story! There are many support groups for women experiencing depression following birth trauma, find one and talk to them – because you will start to see that you are not alone at all. But until you start to talk to others about how you are feeling, you may continue feeling alone.
Be kind to yourself…
After experiencing a traumatic event during childbirth – it can be easy to become fearful, feel guilty, feel down on yourself. Many women who experience birth trauma struggle with these feelings and not feeling like themselves anymore. You get stuck in a funk, and you don’t know how to work your way out of it. This is okay! Practice being kind to yourself, give yourself a break! You have to remember that you are a strong individual, and these feelings won’t last forever! Find some self-care strategies that make you feel good and do them. Start a self-care routine and stick with it – because it is important for your mental and physical health. Practice yoga, allow yourself to have a hot bath while you read a good book, go hang out with friends once or twice per week – take care of you. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, you deserve it.
Seek professional help…
If you are feeling like you may be struggling with depression following a birth trauma – it is important to talk about how you are feeling to a support network, and practice self-care, but ultimately, seeking the help of a professional may be the best option for you. There are therapists in the mental health field that specialize in birth trauma therapy and birth PTSD counseling, who not only understand what you are experiencing, but can help you process those feelings and work towards feeling more like yourself again. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is recognize that you need some help and allow yourself to get that help! Therapists that specialize in birth trauma therapy and birth PTSD counseling are the perfect solution because they are professionals that specialize in helping individuals that have experienced birth trauma and are now navigating the confusing emotional space that comes after that experience!
How we can help…
We are a team of caring and compassionate individuals, dedicated to helping others through their mental health struggles and emotional turmoil! We have amazing therapists on our team that specialize in working with individuals that have experienced birth trauma. If you are looking for postpartum depression treatment in Florida, or if you are looking for online postpartum support in Florida – we are the practice for you! We strive to make you feel comfortable and safe and would love for you to reach out to us if you are experiencing postpartum depression in Miami, FL or postpartum blues in Miami, FL because we truly want to help you process through these feelings, and help you feel like yourself again!
