Women are 2-3 times more likely to be depressed than men and the reproductive years present the most challenges.
Dr. Accortt treats mood and anxiety disorders during the female reproductive life course and in response to chronic illnesses such as breast cancer and heart disease. She sees women from adolescence through perimenopause and offers unique workshops and support groups for pregnant and postpartum women. Please see Serviceslink for details.
Becoming a mother is a life changing experience that is often filled with joy. It can also include anxiety and sadness. A pregnant or postpartum woman who finds herself distressed, depressed and anxious often feels alone. You may feel ashamed, alienated, inadequate and guilty. You may wonder how you could possibly feel this bad when you love your baby and were looking forward to pregnancy and motherhood. These thoughts and feelings are symptoms. They are not a definition of who you are as a person, a woman, or a mother. Pregnancy and the birth of a baby may bring feelings of joy, however, this can also be a time of increased stress and emotional vulnerability. The transition to parenthood is a significant emotional and psychological adjustment for the mother, the partner and the entire family.
Whether you are thinking about getting pregnant, had your baby in the last last year or in the last 10 years - with therapy you can begin to feel better. Please contact me for more information about my services and availability, below. Hope to hear from you soon!
Maternal depression is the number one complication of childbirth and pregnancy, affecting approximately one million women in the United States each year (one/six). Maternal or perinatal depression encompasses a range of mood disorders that can affect a woman during pregnancy, around the time of birth and through the child's first year. Left untreated, maternal depression leads to long-term depression in the mother, a lack of emotional availability for the baby and detrimental outcomes in the development of the fetus, newborn and developing child.
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Perinatal Mental Health Care 5737 Kanan Road #313 AGOURA HILLS, CALIFORNIA 91301