Bringing a new baby into the world is often described as one of the happiest times in life. But for many mothers, the postpartum period can bring unexpected emotions-sometimes overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or even a sense of disconnection from their baby. This is more common than many people realize, and it has a name: postpartum depression (PPD).
What Is Postpartum Depression and How It Affects Moms
Postpartum depression is a mood disorder that can affect women after childbirth. While it’s normal to experience the “baby blues” in the first two weeks after delivery-mood swings, tearfulness, and fatigue-PPD is different. Symptoms are more intense, last longer, and interfere with daily life.
Research shows that about 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression. It’s not a sign of weakness or failure, but a medical condition that can be treated with the right support. With access to postpartum therapy in Indiana , recovery is possible.
Common Symptoms of Postpartum Depression in New Mothers
Every woman’s experience is unique, but common symptoms include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
- Intense anxiety or panic attacks
- Difficulty bonding with the baby
- Changes in appetite or sleep beyond normal newborn-related exhaustion
- Feeling guilty, worthless, or like you’re a “bad mom”
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of harming yourself or fear of harming the baby
If these symptoms last longer than two weeks or become overwhelming, it may be postpartum depression rather than the baby blues.
Causes and Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression doesn’t have a single cause. It’s often a mix of:
- Hormonal shifts: After childbirth, estrogen and progesterone levels drop suddenly, affecting mood
- Physical factors: Lack of sleep, recovery from labor, or health complications
- Emotional factors: Pressure to “do it all,” relationship changes, or loss of independence
- History of mental health concerns: Women with prior depression or anxiety are at higher risk
Why Getting Postpartum Therapy in Indiana Is Important
Untreated postpartum depression can affect both a mother’s well-being and her baby’s emotional and developmental health. The good news? With postpartum therapy in Indianapolis and across Indiana, women can get the care they need and recover fully.
Finding Mental Health Support for New Moms in Indianapolis
If you live in Indianapolis or anywhere in Indiana, you don’t have to face postpartum depression alone. Steps to get support include:
- Talk to your OB-GYN or primary care doctor. Many Indiana hospitals and clinics offer postpartum depression screenings
- Work with a Victress therapist. Our providers specialize in perinatal and postpartum counseling in Indianapolis and across Indiana, both in-person and via telehealth
- Join a support group. Postpartum Support International (PSI) has coordinators throughout Indiana to connect you with local or virtual groups
- Lean on your community. Trusted friends, partners, and family can help reduce feelings of isolation
How Victress Supports Moms Across Indiana with Postpartum Care
You don’t have to navigate postpartum depression alone. At Victress, A Wellness Center for Women, we provide compassionate postpartum therapy and women’s mental health support for moms in Indianapolis and across Indiana.
📞 Call us today at 708-428-2527 or visit www.victresswellness.com to connect with care.
If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek help immediately by calling 911 or the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Remember: You Are Not Alone – Postpartum Support in Indiana
Postpartum depression is not your fault, and it doesn’t define your ability to be a loving, capable mother. Whether you’re in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Bloomington, or anywhere else in Indiana, support and healing are within reach. With the right help, you can feel like yourself again and rediscover joy in motherhood.
About Victress
Victress, A Wellness Center for Women, was founded to empower women through every stage of life. We specialize in perinatal, postpartum, and women’s mental health services, offering both in-person and telehealth therapy, as well as medication management. Our mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that helps women feel supported, understood, and strong.
📍 Based in Palos Heights, Illinois, we proudly support women in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana.
📞 Call 708-428-2527 or visit www.victresswellness.com to learn more.