Online therapy has become a new normal for therapists and clients alike
Once viewed with skepticism, the format has taken off in the wake of the global pandemic and an increasing need among people to access mental health services.
It’s particularly useful for women living with postpartum depression and anxiety, both of which are serious mental health conditions that can affect women after childbirth. They are characterized by a range of emotional and physical symptoms that interfere with a woman's ability to care for herself and her new baby.
While these diagnoses sometimes get lumped together, their symptoms manifest in distinctly different ways
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can cause a woman to feel sad, hopeless, and empty. Women with postpartum depression may also experience changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels. They may also have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or taking care of themselves or their baby. An estimated 15% of women experience the persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness of postpartum depression.
Postpartum anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of worry, fear, or anxiety. Postpartum Support International estimates 6-10% of postpartum women experience postpartum anxiety which also includes physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness. They may also have difficulty sleeping or concentrating or have thoughts of harming themselves or their baby.
Women struggling with either of these postpartum diagnoses in Louisiana specifically are ideal candidates for online therapy for several reasons:
Access: When women seek therapy in Louisiana, they face the lack of available therapists, specifically those who specialize in postpartum mental health disorders. Through online therapy, these women have more options of therapists available to choose from and more easily find one who fits best with their needs.
Convenience: Online therapy can be done from the comfort of your own home, at a time that works for you. This can be especially helpful for postpartum women who are likely sleep-deprived or struggle to find childcare or get out of the house. There’s no need to find public transportation, which can be an especially frustrating task to access therapy in Louisiana where there’s a dearth of such options.
Affordability: Online therapy is often more affordable than traditional in-person therapy while saving the postpartum mom the cost and time of traveling to a therapist’s office. Plus, with its broader acceptance, more and more insurance companies are offering coverage for online therapy.
Privacy: Online therapy is private because your sessions are held over a secure connection meaning your conversations with your therapist are confidential.
So how exactly can online therapy support the needs of a mom with postpartum anxiety or depression?
Postpartum women may be feeling isolated and alone. Online therapy can provide a sense of connection and support, even though sessions are not taking place in person.
The therapist serves as a sounding board, offering understanding, support, and a confidential space for a postpartum mom to process difficult thoughts and feelings.
Therapists provide education and tools to help manage the distressing symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety. The right therapist is a well-versed specialist in these diagnoses and helps moms understand their symptoms and learn how to manage them.
Sessions can be scheduled around other commitments, so finding childcare or taking time off work is not necessary. This provides a flexibility that allows for postpartum moms to access treatment consistently which is key to healing.
The overall goal of therapy is to help postpartum moms heal their distressing symptoms and find ease and joy in the mothering experience. When looking for treatment for postpartum depression in Louisiana, potential barriers to finding appropriate care unfortunately exist. Online therapy in Louisiana offers moms who live far from available providers a way to access the best care for their needs.
If you are experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, here are the steps you can take to get started with online therapy:
Ask your doctor or midwife for a referral. They may be able to recommend a therapist who is familiar with postpartum mood disorders.
Search online directories of therapists. There are many online directories that list therapists who specialize in postpartum depression and anxiety. Some of these directories include:
Postpartum Support International
Psychology Today
Contact your insurance company. Insurance companies offer coverage for therapy for postpartum depression and anxiety and have a list of in-network providers who offer online services and specialize in postpartum anxiety and depression.
Search Google For Online Therapists In Louisiana. Many therapists have websites so you can learn more about their specialties, education, experience, and services as well as book an online consultation. Searching for a therapist throughout the state or even in your area can help you find someone who specializes in treating women in the postpartum period.
Here are a few things to consider to help find the right online therapist:
The therapist's experience and qualifications. Make sure the therapist is licensed and has experience working with people with postpartum depression and anxiety.
The therapist's personality and style. It is important to feel comfortable with your therapist. Choose a therapist who you feel you can connect with. Online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy, but it's important that you feel comfortable opening up to your therapist. It might feel scary to be vulnerable with them at first but remember that the sessions are private, confidential, and that the therapist will not judge what you share. They are here to help you on your mental health journey.
The therapist's availability. Make sure the therapist is available at times that work for you.
No matter how you choose a therapist the most important first step is simply asking for the help you need. These are serious mental health conditions and I encourage anyone struggling under the weight of postpartum depression or anxiety to speak with a medical professional as soon as possible.
Begin Working With An Online Therapist in Louisiana, Florida, and Hawaii
I would be honored to support you from the comfort of your home as you work to cope with postpartum depression and anxiety. I’m happy to offer support to residents of Louisiana, Florida, and more. You can start the therapy process with Ashley Comegys, please follow these simple steps:
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation via phone or video
Start receiving the support you deserve!
Other Therapy Services Offered By Ashley Comegys
I’m happy to provide various services to support your mental health in addition to postpartum support. Other services offered include grief counseling, online postpartum depression treatment, and online depression treatment. I am also happy to offer military spouse therapy and online trauma treatment for women. Visit my blog or about page to learn more today!