Postpartum Mental Health:
Anxiety & Depression in New Moms
Written By: Victoria Obaniyi
Rebecca Sidoti, LCSW
OCD & Anxiety
Ketamine Therapist
VR Therapist
Caroline Goodhines
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Molly Weaver
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Denise Spivey
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Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience filled with joy and new challenges. While it’s often portrayed as one of life’s happiest moments, many new mothers find themselves dealing with emotional shifts that are difficult to manage. Two of the most common postpartum mental health conditions—postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety—can often occur together, making the experience even more overwhelming.
What is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety involves excessive and persistent worrying that develops after childbirth or adoption. This worry may feel uncontrollable and often centers around the baby’s safety or one’s ability to be a good parent. Symptoms can include panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, muscle tension, racing thoughts, and trouble focusing. In more severe cases, it may interfere with bonding or caregiving routines.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression goes beyond the typical “baby blues.” It includes persistent sadness, a sense of hopelessness, and extreme fatigue. Individuals may feel emotionally numb or overwhelmed to the point where basic tasks feel unmanageable. This condition often disrupts sleep, social interactions, and the ability to seek help. Without intervention, it can deeply impact a mother’s mental and emotional well-being.
Overlaps between Postpartum Anxiety & Depression
Sleep Disruption
Both conditions can lead to significant sleep disturbances. A mom experiencing postpartum anxiety may lie awake at night, unable to relax due to constant worry—often about her baby’s safety or her own ability to cope. On the other hand, postpartum depression can bring on insomnia fueled by sadness, restlessness, or feelings of inadequacy. Either way, sleep becomes fragmented, which only intensifies emotional exhaustion.
Postpartum Irritability and Emotional Outbursts
Irritability is a common response when mental and emotional reserves are drained. With postpartum anxiety, constant tension and fear can cause impatience or agitation, especially when routines are disrupted. Postpartum depression, meanwhile, may trigger emotional outbursts as a result of pent-up sadness or feelings of failure. Both can lead to strained relationships with loved ones and feelings of guilt.
Postpartum Socail Isolation
Both postpartum anxiety and depression can make new moms retreat from social interaction. Anxiety might cause overwhelming fear or distrust, leading a mother to avoid visitors or public outings for fear something could go wrong. Depression, on the other hand, can lead to feelings of worthlessness or the belief that others don’t understand—making the idea of socializing feel exhausting or pointless. Either way, isolation can deepen both conditions.
Postpartum Brain Fog
Difficulty concentrating is another shared symptom. Postpartum anxiety often brings racing thoughts and a heightened sense of alertness that makes it hard to focus on one task at a time. For moms with postpartum depression, persistent fatigue and emotional numbness can dull cognitive function, making everyday decisions feel overwhelming. In both cases, mental fog can interfere with parenting responsibilities and self-care.
Do Postpartum Depression & Anxiety Always Go Together?
Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety often appear together, but they don’t always. It’s possible to experience one without the other. Still, many symptoms overlap, and both conditions can be triggered by similar stressors—like hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, or the pressure of new responsibilities.
Because these conditions can feel so similar and even occur at the same time, it’s important to seek professional support early. Identifying the specific symptoms you’re experiencing can help tailor treatment that best supports your postpartum mental health.
Postpartum Therapy Options
Understanding your symptoms is the first step—getting help is the next. Therapy offers a safe, structured way to work through postpartum mental health challenges, whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or both.
Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a common and highly effective treatment for postpartum anxiety and depression. It helps identify negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier, more balanced thoughts. For moms struggling with guilt, self-doubt, or constant worry, CBT offers practical tools to manage emotional responses and regain a sense of control.
Many providers now offer online postpartum therapy for CBT, making it easier for new moms to access support from home on their own schedule.
Online Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT focuses on improving communication and relationships, especially those that may be strained during the postpartum period. It helps new moms navigate changes in roles, set boundaries, and seek support more effectively. IPT is usually short-term and can help strengthen key connections that support emotional wellness.
Online options for IPT are increasingly available, making therapy more accessible to new moms managing busy or unpredictable schedules.
The Benefits of Online Postpartum Therapy
Online postpartum therapy has become a vital option for new moms. With the demands of caring for a newborn, it’s not always realistic to attend in-person sessions. Online therapy removes barriers like travel time, childcare arrangements, and scheduling conflicts.
Through secure video calls or messaging platforms, moms can access licensed therapists who specialize in postpartum mental health. This format allows for more flexible, consistent support during one of the most emotionally intense phases of life. For many, simply having a judgment-free space to talk from the comfort of home can be a powerful step toward healing.
Online therapy options often include:
- Weekly video sessions
- Text or chat-based therapy
- On-demand support or guided programs
- Access to therapists with experience in postpartum mental health
Get Postpartum Mental Health Support today
Postpartum depression and anxiety are common, often connected, and deeply personal experiences. Understanding how they overlap—and recognizing their symptoms early—can help you take meaningful steps toward recovery. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, constantly worried, or emotionally numb, you're not alone, and what you're feeling is valid. Support is available, and options like online postpartum therapy make it easier than ever to access the help you need. By prioritizing your postpartum mental health, you're not just caring for yourself—you’re building the foundation for a healthier future for you and your baby.
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Our Areas of Speciality
Therapy for Anxiety
Anxiety therapy is one of the most common reasons individuals come to therapy, and our expert therapists are ready to help you overcome anxiety and reclaim your life.
Therapy for OCD
Online therapy for OCD gives clients the skills to break from the patterns of OCD, employing proven strategies to overcome OCD & reclaim the joy of life.
Therapy for Depression
Getting therapy for depression may feel overwhelming, but our depression therapists are compassionate and effective in treatment for depression in New Jersey.
Therapy for Stress
Therapy for stress management will help you adapt how you respond to life’s challenges, allowing you to live with more peace, focus, and joy.
Therapy for Phobias
Online therapy for phobias helps clients manage and overcome fear and panic. Our dedicated team is here to support you on your journey to reclaim your life.
Therapy for Trauma
Trauma Counseling serves as a valuable tool for individuals struggling with symptoms related to PTSD & stress.
Therapy for Grief
Online grief counseling offers a space to understand and process your feelings, ensuring that whatever the source of your grief, you’re not navigating this journey alone.
Therapy for Teens
Online therapy for teens includes options for creative art therapies, VR therapy as well as traditional talk therapy for teens.
Our Therapy Approaches
Ketamine Assisted Therapy
Ketamine Assisted Therapy has been shown to reduce the symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, chronic pain and more.
Virtual Reality Therapy
Virtual Reality Therapy helps clients overcome phobias, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions by exposing them to their fears in a controlled, safe environment.
Expressive Art Therapy
Art can be a helpful support tool in therapy to help with communication, expression, mindfulness & grounding.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is present-focused, making it especially effective for those seeking tangible results.
Emotion-Focused Therapy
In EFT sessions, the therapist and client work together & the therapist assists clients in deciphering their emotions rather than imposing interpretations.
Exposure Therapy
Through exposure therapy, our therapists will introduce you to the very things that trigger your fear.
Where are you located? I need a therapist near me
We are fully online, which means that your therapy sessions will be help via video call on our HIPAA compliant Platform. Anyone in New Jersey can access our therapy services
How do I get started as a new client?
New Clients can reach out to us directly via call, text or email here:
Does my insurance cover my visits?
We provide”Courtesy Billing” for clients who are using the Out-of-network insurance benefits.
Our Insurance Page might answer your questions about your insurance information, cost and OON coverage.
What are out-of-network benefits?
Visits our FAQ About Insurance to learn more about OON coverage for mental health services. We can also check your benefits for you. When using OON benefits, patients typically pay the full cost of the treatment upfront and then file a claim with their insurance company for reimbursement.
Is Online Therapy As Effective As In-Person Therapy?
Online therapy is essentially face-to-face counseling, just conducted remotely. Studies show that tele-therapy is as effective as traditional counseling. Professional organizations and state governments recognize its benefits and have set regulations for it. However, like any therapy, its success in achieving your goals isn’t guaranteed. It’s important to discuss with your therapist whether tele-therapy is working for you.
How Should I Prepare for My First Session?
Showing up is all that you need to do! But if you really want to get the most out of session, it could help to take some time to think about what you want from therapy. It helps to write down your goals, questions you have or things that you feel are important to share.
Do you offer traditional talk therapy?
of course! though we have some unconventional therapy approaches, we are rooted in evidenced based practices. Talk therapy is a major player in the therapy room! See What we Treat and Integrative Services for more information
Is Virtual Counseling Suitable for Everyone?
Online therapy might not be as effective for individuals with chronic suicidal thoughts, severe trauma, significant mental health history, or those recently in intensive care. Such cases often benefit more from traditional, in-person counseling. We’ll help you decide if our online services are right for you during your intake and evaluation.
Can I Change Therapists If I'm Not Happy?
Yes, you can switch therapists to another provider within the practice, or we can provide you a referral if preferred. We want to ensure that your time and effort are well spent, and that you are getting the relief you need, that’s why we work collaboratively with each other in the practice, as well as outside therapists who we know and trust.
How Do I Know If Therapy Is Helping?
You should feel like you’re making progress. Signs it’s working include:
- Feeling comfortable talking to your therapist
- Your therapist respects boundaries
- You’re moving towards your goals
- You feel listened to
You’re doing better in life - Your self-esteem is getting better
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that clients provide at least 24 hours notice in the event that they need to cancel to avoid the 50% cancellation fee. we understand that life happens and do our best to be flexible & reschedule.
What Geographic Areas Are Served?
Currently, we serve clients in New Jersey and are expanding to other states as telehealth laws evolve. While telehealth offers the convenience of attending sessions from anywhere, state laws require clients to be in-state during their session.
Is Online Therapy Easy to Use for Non-Tech-Savvy People?
Yes, it’s pretty simple to access sessions. You’ll need basic internet skills, such as opening and visiting the patient link sent to you via email. It’s similar to video chatting like Facetime or Zoom. We can also walk you through it on the phone the first time to ensure a strong connection
What Questions Should I Ask My New Therapist?
Feel free to ask anything. Some good questions are:
- How often will we meet?
- What do you specialize in?
- What experience do you have with my issue?
- What outcomes can I expect?
- How will I know I’m progressing?
- How long do you usually work with clients?
- How will we set my treatment goals?
What is the difference between associate therapists & fully licensed therapists?
Our Qualifications:
Our founder, Rebecca Sidoti, is a highly qualified, state-licensed therapist and supervisor with extensive training in anxiety related disorders and innovative treatment such as Ketamine Therapy. Mind by Design Counseling adheres to standards set by the our governing counseling boards.
To see each providers credentials, training and licenses, visit our “Meet the Therapists” Page to learn more.
- LAC/LSW are therapists who may practice clinical work under the supervision of a fully licensed therapist.
- LPC/LCSW are therapists who have completed the necessary clinical hours post-graduation under supervision and can practice clinical work independently.
Can Anyone Benefit from Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy?
KAP has shown promise for individuals with treatment-resistant depression and certain anxiety disorders. However, its efficacy can vary from person to person.
What Can Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Help to Treat??
Ketamine has shown promise in treating various mental health conditions, including PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias and OCD. As Ketamine therapy providers, we offer this service to help clients break cycles of thinking traps that lead to compulsive behaviors.
Is KAP the same as Ketamine infusions?
KAP is a therapeutic approach that combines the use of ketamine with psychotherapy. Our Process of providing ketamine assisted psychotherapy is different from ketamine infusions, which are typically administered without the accompanying psychotherapy. Our partnership with Journey Clinical provides patients with lozenges for self-administering their Ketamine dose prescribed by the Journey Clinical provider.
Is Ketamine Addictive?
While ketamine has the potential for misuse, when used in a controlled medical setting for therapeutic purposes, the risk of addiction is considered low according to medical researchers
What Neurotransmitters are effected by Ketamine?
Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain, which can lead to an increase in the release of certain neurotransmitters. This can result in rapid antidepressant effects
How does ketamine compare to other psychedelic medicines?
Ketamine is unique in its rapid antidepressant effects and mechanism of action. Other psychedelics, like psilocybin, have different mechanisms and therapeutic potentials.
How often would KAP be needed?
The frequency of KAP sessions would depend on the individual’s response to treatment and the medical provider’s recommendations.
What medical conditions might disqualify someone from KAP?
Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled hypertension or a history of psychosis, might be contraindications for KAP. See Our “Safety Measures” page for more information about the precautions that the medical team adheres to, along with other safety measure sin place.
How many ketamine treatment sessions do clients need for KAP?
The number of sessions can vary based on individual needs and the specific protocol followed by the provider. For Full details, visit the “Our Process” page. Generally 2-3 sessions are held prior to a dosing session, and then integration sessions are held after a dosing session. Depending on your treatment plan, there may be more or less number of sessions