aPPROACHES

Postpartum Depression Therapist in Tampa

Feeling overwhelmed, angry, or numb after birth? Postpartum therapy at It Begins Within in Tampa offers support for moms, dads, and partners navigating anxiety, depression, or rage. No judgment—just help.

What You Need to Know About Postpartum Depression & Therapy for New Moms

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that affects many new mothers after childbirth. In fact, approximately 1 in 7 new mothers will face some form of postpartum symptoms. While it's natural to experience some emotional changes after having a baby due to the fluctuations in hormones in addition to major life changes, PPD goes beyond the usual challenges of early parenthood. Postpartum depression can have serious consequences, such as interfering with a mother's ability to bond with her baby, care for herself, and care for her newborn. 

You’re Not Failing—You’re Exhausted. Postpartum Therapy at It Begins Within Can Help.

Postpartum Isn’t One Thing. It’s Many—And All Are Real.

Postpartum mental health isn’t just about sleepless nights and adjusting to life with your new little one. It’s a complex and deeply personal experience - it can bring up emotions like joy, grief, anxiety, and overwhelming. For some, it’s a quiet sense of disconnection, while for others, it’s a wave of emotions that feel impossible to name. No matter how it shows up, whether through tears, numbness, rage, or guilt, it’s real. And you’re not alone. There are several forms of postpartum you may experience, including:

Postpartum Anxiety

Constant intrusive thoughts, spiraling worry, racing heart, panic without a clear reason.

Postpartum OCD

Intrusive, scary thoughts you’re afraid to say out loud—but you're not dangerous, and you’re not broken.

Postpartum Rage

Sudden, intense anger that feels out of character, often followed by guilt or shame.

Postpartum Psychosis

Rare but serious—disconnection from reality, confusion, or hallucinations. This needs urgent care, not judgment.

Delayed Onset Depression

Everything seemed “fine,” until one day it wasn’t—numbness, detachment, and sadness that appear months after birth.

How Long Does Postpartum Depression Typically Last?

The duration of PPD can vary, ranging from a few weeks for some to several months for others. With appropriate treatment, and therapy after giving birth, most women recover, but it does require attention and care. If symptoms persist beyond six months or become more severe, it's crucial to seek professional help.

How Does Postpartum Affect Bonding with the Baby?

PPD can significantly affect the bond between a mother and her baby. The symptoms that come with PPD, such as feelings of sadness, irritability, and emotional numbness, may make it difficult for a mother to connect with her newborn. As a result, this can lead to difficulties in breastfeeding, responding to the baby’s needs, or simply enjoying the new experience of motherhood. 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression?

Common symptoms of postpartum depression include:

  • Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or irritability

  • Lack of interest in activities that once brought pleasure

  • Difficulty bonding with baby

  • Fatigue or lack of energy

  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

  • Increase or decrease in appetite

  • Anxiety or panic attacks

  • Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby

How is Postpartum Depression Different from "Baby Blues"?

The "baby blues" are a common emotional disturbance that many new mothers experience in the first few days after childbirth. Symptoms include mood swings, crying, and irritability, often due to the hormonal changes women go through during childbirth and in the postpartum period. However, the biggest difference between the baby blues and PPD is the severity and length of symptoms. The baby blues typically go away within two weeks, while PPD is more severe and persistent, lasting longer than two weeks, and requires professional support.

What is the Best Approach for Postpartum Therapy in Tampa

Treatment for postpartum depression can include a combination of therapy, medication, and support. The most effective approach varies from person to person and takes into consideration several factors, but common treatments include:

postpartum Thearpy

At It Begins Within we use a variety of treatment approaches to help mothers overcome Postpartum symptoms, they include:

Medication

such as antidepressants may be prescribed to help regulate any chemical imbalance in the brain.

Support Groups

connecting with other mothers who understand the experience can provide emotional support.

How Can Partners and Family Members Support Someone with Postpartum Depression?

Partners and family members play a critical role in supporting mothers struggling with postpartum depression. Some of the strategies they can use to help include:

  1. Listen Without Judgement: Encourage open, non-judgmental conversations.

  2. Offer Practical Support: Help with daily tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the baby.

  3. Be Patient: Understand that recovery may take time and setbacks may occur.

What Coping Strategies Can Be Used at Home to Manage Postpartum Depression Symptoms?

Some strategies to cope with PPD at home include:

  • Establishing a Routine: Creating a daily routine can help alleviate some of the chaos and stress that can come during the postpartum period.

  • Prioritize Self-Care: Taking short breaks, engaging in relaxing activities, and getting enough sleep can greatly improve maternal mental health.

  • Exercise: Gentle exercise, like walking, can help release endorphins, which improve mood. Be sure to speak with your provider to ensure your body is ready for physical activity to prevent injury. 

  • Mindfulness and Relaxation: Deep breathing exercises or meditation have been proven to help reduce anxiety and stress.

How Do You Measure Progress and Know When Treatment is Effective?

Progress can be measured by monitoring a reduction in symptoms experienced. A trained clinician might use standardized questionnaires or assessments to track improvements, usually completing the first ones early in the treatment process in order to get a baseline of symptom severity. Treatment is considered effective when the affected individual begins to feel better emotionally and function more easily in daily life. If symptoms persist or worsen, treatment might need to be adjusted. 

How Often Should Therapy Sessions Occur, and What Is the Typical Duration of Treatment?

The frequency of therapy depends on the severity of symptoms. Initially, therapy might be weekly or biweekly to monitor symptoms and help the client regulate. As the client progresses, sessions might trickle down and become less frequent, maybe once a month. Treatment for postpartum depression typically lasts anywhere from three or six months to a year, though some individuals may need extra support for a longer period of time.

Therapy for New Dads. Because It’s Not Just Moms Who Struggle

Bringing a new baby into the world changes everything, for both parents. And while most conversations center around mothers (with good reason), dads go through a profound shift as well. What’s often left unsaid is that 1 in 10 dads experience postpartum depression, and many more struggle with anxiety, irritability, and emotional withdrawal.

For fathers, the signs may look different. Often hidden in plain sight. You might feel disconnected from your partner or baby, overwhelmed by pressure to “hold it all together,” or ashamed for not feeling the joy you thought you should. Maybe it shows up as anger, avoidance, or a nagging sense of regret you can’t quite explain.

We want you to know this - you’re not alone, and you won’t be judged here. You won’t be pathologized or labeled—you’ll be heard. Therapy is a space support for new dads to sort through what you’re carrying, without needing to explain it all perfectly. You deserve support, too. And getting it doesn't make you weak—it makes you human.

How Do You Involve the Partner or Family in the Treatment Process?

Including partners or family members in treatment can strengthen the support network and foster understanding. Sometimes therapists might encourage joint sessions with the partner to help them understand what the person with PPD is going through. In addition, family members may also be involved in learning coping strategies and understanding the treatment goals of the affected individual.

What Are Some Common Mistakes People Make When Dealing with Postpartum Depression, and How Can They Be Avoided?

  • Minimizing the Condition: Believing that PPD will go away on its own can delay seeking help. It's important to take symptoms seriously and seek professional support early.

  • Avoiding Social Support: Self-isolation is a very common symptom with PPD, but isolating oneself can actually worsen feelings of loneliness and sadness. Reaching out to trusted friends, family, or support groups is extremely important.

  • Early Termination of Treatment: Sometimes, people stop treatment when they start feeling better, thinking they no longer need it; however, as with many other mental health conditions, PPD can come back. Staying consistent with therapy and any prescribed medication is important.

Resources

Carlson, K., Mughal, S., Azhar, Y., & Siddiqui, W. (2025, January 22). Perinatal Depression. National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology Information. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070/

Schedule Free Consultation

We offer comprehensive mental health services and free consultations for new parent therapy. Our belief is that the strongest factor in your success through therapy is the relationship with your therapist - and we want to ensure that.