Postpartum Depression

Culturally, we believe that pregnancy and child birth should be one of the most happy time in a woman's life.  When a women is experiencing Postpartum Depression or Anxiety is can be confusing and hard to cope with.  It may be difficult to confide in your partner or friends that you are not feeling like yourself.

There are many reasons a woman many feel depressed or anxious after delivery.  Your body goes through dramatic hormonal changes.  You may experience mood swings.  A new baby will change your sleeping schedule and your lifestyle.
Some women have family members with depression or anxiety, some women have had depression in their own past, and for some women the cause is unclear.  For everyone who suffers Postpartum Depression or Anxiety, the causes are as unique as she is.

"Baby Blues" are not the same as Postpartum Depression and Anxiety.  "Baby Blues" are generally transient mood changes that level out after a week or two with support from family and friends.  Postpartum Depression and anxiety are more serious and may require professional treatment.

Common Symptoms

  • Sad feelings
  • Feeling very anxious or constantly worrying
  • Being irritable or cranky
  • Trouble Sleeping (even when tired) or sleeping too much
  • Trouble concentrating or remembering things
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Loss of interest in food, or overeating
  • Feeling suicidal is a very acute symptom and needs immediate medical attention. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

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"I really look forward to my therapy group. When I found women going through the same things as me, I didn't feel so lonely anymore. I'm learning from them and sharing strength with them"

Therapy Participant
About one in eight women experience some form of Postpartum Depression.  Help is available.  Your OB or midwife is trained in helping you identify symptoms and signs of postpartum depression.  Your healthcare provider may refer you to a mental health counselor or a psychiatrist.

Joslyn Jelinek has been working with women who are experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety.  She offers individual, couple and group therapy to address the affects of postpartum depression and anxiety and help you gain the skills and the support to move though a very challenging time. Joslyn is trained in cognitive behavior therapy and uses effective interventions to address troublesome symptoms.  Working with you goals in mind, Joslyn will help you design a therapy plan that helps support you feeling like yourself again.

Joslyn received her MSW in Interpersonal Practice from the University of Michigan in 1998. She has been in psychotherapy practice in Chicago for 12 years. Joslyn has been trained by Postpartum International and is a therapist for Illinois Postpartum Depression Alliance. She helped develop the Postpartum Depression Project at Stroger Hospital of Cook County. She consults and lectures or Postpartum Depression and Treatment throughout the Chicagoland area.

If you would like to schedule and appointment or phone consultation, please call (773) 517-3448.