Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
This isn’t what you expected.
You thought you’d feel more connected. More certain. More like yourself. You thought you would enjoy this.
Instead, you might feel anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or not like yourself at all. You may be constantly on edge, questioning everything, or wondering why this feels so much harder than you imagined.
Whether you're navigating infertility, pregnancy, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, or the transition into motherhood, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure this out on your own.
What you might be experiencing
Anxiety or constant worry
Postpartum depression or mood changes
Feeling disconnected from yourself or your baby
Overwhelm, irritability, or emotional reactivity
Identity shifts and loss of self (matrescence)
Relationship strain during pregnancy or postpartum
These experiences are more common than people talk about—but that doesn’t make them easier.
This is more than a phase—this is a major transition
Pregnancy and postpartum aren’t just physical experiences. They impact your identity, your relationships, your nervous system, and your sense of self.
This transition—known as matrescence—can feel disorienting without the right support.
How we help
At Village Wellness, we provide therapy for pregnancy, postpartum, and reproductive mental health that helps you:
understand what’s happening emotionally and mentally
feel more grounded and like yourself again
reduce anxiety and overwhelm
navigate identity changes with clarity
strengthen connection with your baby and your partner
Village Wellness offers a unique treatment program where postpartum depression and anxiety is treated from a strength based perspective.
We emphasize:
symptom reduction
coping skills
mother-child bonding
developing a proper support system
communication skills with your partner and other caregivers
processing birth trauma, infertility and resentment is needed
Session are offered in-home, in-person in Thousand Oaks, and virtually throughout California.
Depression & Anxiety during pregnancy
Contrary to popular belief, pregnant women are at risk for developing mood disorders.
About 10% of women develop a mood disorder during pregnancy.
Regardless of your journey to pregnancy you may be experiencing symptoms including:
sadness
hopelessness
excessive worry
racing thoughts
feeling overwhelmed
changes in appetite
sleep and concentration
resentment or regret
If your pregnancy is different than you expected and you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above it may be helpful to talk to someone.
Additional Information
I think my partner may need help.
If you think your partner may be experiencing symptoms encourage them to reach out for help. If they are unable to unwilling you may call or email us for additional help, or the PSI warm line at 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD) for immediate help. If you think they are in danger of hurting themselves, your child or someone else please bring them to the emergency room or call 911.
What is a perinatal mood disorder?
A group of disorders that includes depression, anxiety, panic, and PTSD that occur during pregnancy or throughout your babies first year of life. It can also include bipolar disorder and psychosis.
Maternal depression is normal
Approximately 10-20% of women will experience depression either during their pregnancy or in their first year postpartum. Symptoms can occur during pregnancy and through your baby’s first year.
Almost all women experience the baby blues after giving birth.
If you’re still experiencing symptoms 5-6 weeks postpartum you may have a perinatal mood disorder.
You did not cause this.
Perinatal mood disorders can affect any woman, and while research shows that there are different risk factors that may impact how you are feeling, one thing is certain and that is that this is not your fault and you did not cause this.
The sooner you get help, the better.
You deserve to be happy and healthy and to enjoy this time in your life. Studies have shown that your baby’s development is directly linked to your physical and emotional health. Reach out for help. You are not alone.
Symptoms you could be experiencing
• Sadness
• Mood swings
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Difficulty concentrating
• Lack of interest in things you used to enjoy
• Changes in sleeping and eating habits
• Panic attacks, nervousness, and anxiety
• Excessive worry about your baby
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Fearing that you can’t take care of your baby
• Feeling guilty and inadequate
• Difficulty accepting motherhood
• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
Resources
Postpartum Support International: To speak to a trained volunteer please call the warm-line at 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)
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