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Anxiety and depression can impact you at any point in your life, and without proper help, they can linger and worsen.
Beyond the baby blues, postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that affects your daily life and ability to care well for yourself and your new baby.
There’s hope and help for you at Paragon Concierge Counseling in Newport News, Virginia. Nicola Hall, PhD, LPC, CSAC, offers cognitive behavioral therapy to help you get through the toughest times so you can look forward to healthier, happier days ahead. To learn more, about they type of appointments available to you, schedule your appointment today by calling the office or booking online.
Anxiety and Depression Q&A
What are anxiety and depression?
Anxiety and depression are mental health disorders that are unfortunately common. Excessive worry, unease, or fear characterize anxiety. Depression often manifests as persistent sadness, lethargy, and low mood.
Dr. Hall understands how challenging they are to live with and offers attentive care and relief.
What are the symptoms of anxiety and depression?
Anxiety can manifest in many different ways, but symptoms include:
- Compulsive worrying
- Dizziness and nausea
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches
- Trembling and sweating
- Muscle tension
You may also experience other physical symptoms, like rashes.
Talk to Dr. Hall about depression if you experience physical or mental symptoms like:
- Muscle aches or fatigue
- Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Issues with sleeping
- Trouble concentrating or focusing
- Lost interest in activities, sex, or work
- Irritability
- Headaches or migraines
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
Depression can also make life feel heavy. If you struggle with suicidal ideations, seek emergency mental health support or dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Concierge counseling gives you 24/7 communication and same- or next-day visits when you need priority care.
What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression is not just the baby blues, which many women experience shortly after having a baby. The baby blues usually involve mild feelings of sadness but go away within a couple of weeks. However, postpartum depression is a serious mental health condition that lasts much longer and can severely impact your ability to care for yourself, your baby, and your family.
Symptoms typically show up within a month of childbirth but can occur up to a year later and include:
- Overwhelming feelings of hopelessness
- Crying often for no apparent reason
- Persistent worrying or anxiety
- Erratic mood swings
- Disordered eating patterns
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Brain fog
- Trouble bonding with your new baby
Another sign that you’re suffering from postpartum depression is withdrawing socially, especially from your closest family and friends.
What causes postpartum depression?
A combination of hormonal, physical, and emotional changes that occur soon after you deliver your baby causes postpartum depression.
Hormonal changes
After delivery, your hormone levels plummet quickly, which can alter your brain chemistry and trigger sudden depression.
Sleep deprivation
New mothers often wrestle with sleep deprivation and exhaustion, making them more vulnerable to sadness and depression.
Emotional factors
The transition to motherhood, adjusting to new and critical responsibilities, and the challenges of caring for a newborn with all-day needs can contribute to low moods and feelings of depression.
How is postpartum depression treated?
The compassionate team at Paragon Concierge Counseling screens for postpartum depression and works with you to develop a care plan to help you feel like yourself again.
Dr. Hall is an expert in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and will take time to get to know you personally and your unique needs. Together, you will address your immediate sadness and depression, she will provide support to help you implement long-term wellness strategies that optimize your health moving forward.
If necessary, she may refer you to consult with a psychiatrist about medications that could help regulate chemicals that affect your mood. This step is on a case-by-case basis and part of a holistic approach to your wellbeing that addresses lifestyle changes to improve your mental health and quality of life.
To get relief and support for postpartum depression, call to schedule an office or telehealth appointment. You can book online, too.
What can I expect from personalized anxiety and depression care?
At Paragon Concierge Counseling, Dr. Hall uses evidence-based approaches to help you uncover the root cause of your struggles and develop effective coping strategies. Your personalized care plan may include:
Screenings and assessments
Addressing concerns early and determining if they warrant a diagnosis helps you take action and prevent complications.
Therapy
Techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can challenge negative thought patterns and promote healthier, more balanced thinking.
Stress reduction
Stress-reduction techniques like breathing exercises and other mindful activities can combat depression and anxiety by making you less vulnerable to emotional extremes and fatigue.
If you’re interested in holistic, personalized care for depression and anxiety, reach out to Dr. Hall at Paragon Concierge Counseling by phone or online today.