Postnatal Depression Psychologist
Postnatal Depression Support
Our Services / Postnatal Depression Psychologist
Postnatal Depression Psychologist
The baby bubble is a beautiful thing, but the experience of postnatal depression is more common than most of us would like to believe. Having a child is an enormous undertaking for everyone involved – it’s a monumental life change that can quickly begin to feel overwhelming and isolating. We think it’s important to get clued up on everything to do with postnatal depression (otherwise known as postpartum depression), so that you understand how to navigate it if you think you may be experiencing it; and, if it’s right for you, we can guide you in finding your postnatal depression psychologist.
What is postnatal depression?
It’s normal to feel tired, overwhelmed and a little lonely during the first phase of your baby’s life – after all, you just created a living breathing human. But postnatal depression isn’t just the baby blues – it’s a lot deeper than that.
When feelings of sadness, numbness or hopelessness start to become part of your everyday experience after having a baby, you may be experiencing postnatal depression. Symptoms of postpartum depression are more severe and long-lasting than fleeting feelings of overwhelm – and they become a major issue when they impact your ability to cope with everyday life.
The low mood that hovers with postnatal depression can manifest in a range of symptoms, including trouble sleeping, changes in appetite and changes in mood. The birth of a baby, combined with a severe lack of sleep, a molotov cocktail of hormones, and the reality of having suddenly have someone to care for 24/7 can cause parents to slide into depressive periods. And when it’s not treated, those periods can last a long time.
How common is Postnatal Depression?
If you feel that you’re experiencing Postnatal Depression, you are not alone. Did you know that postnatal depression affects about 1 in 5 Aussie mums and 1 in 10 dads in the first year after having a new baby? So, as you can see, Postnatal Depression is pretty common, but so many do not realise that seeing a Postnatal Depression Psychologist is an option when juggling a baby. We’re here to tell you that it absolutely is.
What’s the difference between post baby blues and Postnatal Depression?
Hormonal changes are completely across the board when it comes to having a baby – so don’t fret if you feel down in the first few weeks after giving birth. About 4 out of 5 new mamas experience some sort of ‘baby blues’ immediately after bringing life into the world, and these feelings can be pinned down by the tsunami of hormones coursing through the body. It’s normal to feel tearful, anxious, moody and have trouble sleeping. While these feelings can seem awful, they will usually pass.
When these symptoms last longer than 2-3 weeks, it could signify the onset of postnatal depression. While you’re in the baby bubble, it might feel tricky to figure out whether your emotions are normal or something more sinister. The best way to approach this is to check in with a trusted mental health professional, doctor or child health nurse.
Who is at risk?
While anyone can suffer from postnatal depression, you’re more likely to be susceptible if you:
- Have a history of mental illness
- Have had previous pregnancy losses
- Had a difficult birth
- Have a baby who is unwell
- Have a history of abuse
- Have a lack of social support
- Are unsupported at home
- Suffered depression during pregnancy
Postnatal Depression Psychologist & Other Treatments
As with all forms of depression it’s vital to understand that working through Postnatal Depression requires a 360 degree approach – you need to hit this from all angles. Let your family and friends know how you’re feeling, ensure you are making time to give to yourself. But when it comes to taking care of your mental health, seeking the guidance of a therapist can help equip you with the tools and strategies you need to guide you through the storm and allow you to embrace parenthood with open arms.
Some common tools for working through postpartum depression include:
- Speaking up; accepting help and emotional support from loved ones
- Keeping your body as healthy as possible by eating a balanced diet and staying active, even if it’s 5 minutes of walking per day.
- Taking advantage of any sleep you can get, even if it’s 15 minutes while your baby sleeps
- The use of relaxation techniques, including breathwork and muscle relaxation
- Seeking support from a Postnatal Depression Psychologist
But this is only scratching the surface.
If you’re a new parent having a hard time at the moment, speaking to a postnatal psychologist can really help. We’ve put together a brilliant team of postnatal experts to help you on your postpartum journey. Click through to find out more about our psychologists and book an online therapy session today.
Find A Postnatal Depression Pyschologist
Natasha Kasselis
Senior Psychologist
Andrea Smith
Clinical Psychologist
Annia Baron
Clinical Psychologist
Angella Morillas-Johnson
Senior Psychologist
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is The Indigo Project?
We are a progressive online counselling practice, providing telehealth services in Australia. Our passionate and experienced local team includes psychologists, psychotherapists & counsellors, coaches and therapists that are trained to deliver online therapy to you in a safe and convenient way.
Whether you are looking for short or long term support through a challenging time, or looking to discover your potential, we want you to feel comfortable on every step of the journey.
Read more about Our Story
Telehealth: About Therapy and Online Counselling
What can I expect from therapy? What is therapy like?
Every therapist is different and their therapeutic style and personalities are all unique. However, all of our Indigo practitioners will hold a compassionate and non-judgmental space for you, where you are free to be who you are. Your therapist is there to listen to you, guide you, and help you overcome life’s challenges.
Generally, you’ll spend the first session getting to know each other, talking about your history and what it is you’d like to work through. From your second session onwards, you’ll get to go deeper, peeling back the layers and all the while learning practical strategies to help you transform and grow.
At Indigo we encourage our clients to have at least 10-20 sessions, because we believe that therapy is a long-term journey of commitment, growth and investment in yourself. After seeing your therapist for a while, you may continue to book occasional check-in sessions as you feel more confident doing life with the knowledge and tools you have gained.
Who is online therapy for?
Everyone is welcome to attend online counselling or therapy with one of our practitioners at The Indigo Project.
Online counselling or therapy via Zoom is an accessible, safe and convenient option for those who are unable to attend face-to-face appointments, or simply prefer to meet online. Whether it be a busy schedule due to work and family, health-related reasons or distance, online counselling can help you.
What issues are suited for online therapy?
Our team of trained clinical psychologists, psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors attend to a range of common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship issues and more.
A number of practitioners also specialise in areas such as sexuality, gender and identity, addiction, sports and performance, personality disorders and therapy for children and adolescents.
Several therapists also provide services in marriage counselling and couples therapy.
Finding the best psychologist or counsellor for me - where do I start?
We highly encourage you to view our practitioners and use the filtering options to find a psychologist or counsellor who can help you with the issues you are seeking help for.
Meet our therapists and what they can help you with here.
If you need help, our Therapy Matchmakers team will be able to match you with a practitioner. Give us a call on (02) 9212 5469 or email us at [email protected] so we can support you on your journey.
What if I can’t see the therapist I had in mind?
Our therapists typically have capacity to see several new clients each month. However these openings can get filled up fast from those who have been on a waitlist. If there is someone that you particularly want to see but is currently unavailable, we can place you on a waitlist until there is an opening.
If you prefer to attend an online counselling session sooner, our Therapy Matchmakers can help you find an alternative practitioner based on your needs and what you are looking to achieve in therapy.
Meeting a therapist for the first time can feel like a first date. If you don’t connect with your therapist on your first or second session, we’ll pair you with a new practitioner and your next session will be on the house* as part of our Perfect Match Promise.
*Terms and conditions apply.
Can I make an appointment for my child or dependent?
If you are the parent or legal guardian of a minor, you will need to make an appointment online or via the phone.
We have many psychologists, psychotherapists & counsellors who have experience dealing with children and adolescents in therapy. See who can help here.
Someone I know needs counselling. Can I book an appointment for them?
Those who require online counselling or therapy will have to make an appointment directly with The Indigo Project via our online booking form or on the phone. We do not accept bookings on behalf of an individual or couple from a third party unless as part of an insurance plan, support scheme or similar arrangement.
We want marriage or couples counselling. Can we see a couples counsellor together?
Couples are welcome to attend online therapy sessions together with one of our couples therapists.
Do I need to do anything before my first session?
We recommend setting up for your online therapy session 5-10 minutes before it commences. Make sure your computer or phone microphone and video is working, and that you are comfortable and ready to sit through your session uninterrupted.
There’s zero pressure to prepare anything for your first session but if you find it helpful, you can jot down some points about specific things you’d like to work on or discuss with your therapist.
Are my therapy sessions confidential?
Everything you discuss with your therapist here at Indigo is absolutely confidential, and will not be shared unless you or someone else is at risk of serious harm.
How do I pay for my online therapy session?
For first time clients, payment is made via debit or credit card at the time of booking. For returning clients, there are a number of payment methods available such as authorised direct debit or online via the payments link on your invoice.
Who to contact if you are in crisis
The Indigo Project is not a crisis service.
- If you are in a crisis, if you are experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or somebody else is in danger, DO NOT use this service.
- Call 000 or use these contacts for immediate crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Lifeline 13 11 14 - A crisis support and suicide prevention service for all Australians.
Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 - The Mental Health Line offers professional help and advice for everyone. Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 - Beyond Blue provide support to address issues related to depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental illnesses.
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 - A free service for people who are suicidal, caring for someone who is suicidal, bereaved by suicide or are health professionals supporting people affected by suicide.
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 - A counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
Parentline 1300 1300 52 - Parent Line is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18 who live in NSW.
What else does The Indigo Project do?
Our courses, workshops and events are designed to transform the way you think, feel and live.
Not ready to commit to therapy? Indigo founder Mary Hoang has created Get Your Sh*t Together, a self-directed digital course for those who want to develop greater self-awareness, tackle stress and anxiety, and learn practical skills to help heal, grow and thrive in life.
Mary has also written a book Darkness is Golden: A Guide to Personal Transformation and Dealing with Life's Messiness that combines her experience in the therapy room with unique audio experiences framed by her research in music psychology.
Available for free download are a number of toolkits to help you combat your depression, deal with your anxiety or transform your relationships.
Although an online counselling practice, The Indigo Project believes in the power of community, and we often host events throughout the year. Keep an eye out for events such as Listen Up, a contemporary digital sound bath some describe as a “soundtracked therapy session”.
We are also available for corporate events, workshops and related projects. Please contact us at [email protected] if you’d like to know more.
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