Post partum depression/anxiety

Anybody have any recs for a therapist/psychiatrist? Ideally Huntington and surrounding areas

I've called a bunch and some don't even call back, some don't have times that work for me. I need evening hours ideally.

Also, anybody deal with ppd/ppa while nursing? I don't want to take meds bc I don't want to stop nursing. Is there anything else I can do/take?

Re: Post partum depression/anxiety

I didn't deal specifically w/ post partum anxiety but battled pretty severe anxiety and ensung depression 2 years prior to having children (panic attacks/unable to eat or sleep/almost agoraphobic...all worsened by my bodies response to the medications they were giving me to try to decrease my anxiety) . I do know that there are safe meds to take while lactating (2 of my friends are on zoloft/lexapro) and nursed there babies till they weaned. Medications actually intensified my issues because the side effects amped up my anxiety and I did better with talk therapy, practicing mindful meditation, exercise and lots of emotional support (took me about 2 years to feel back to myself again). I wasn't however dealing with sleep deprivation and the demands of a baby which would have made things even tougher. I'm not in long island anymore so don't have a local recommendation for you but just wanted to offer support and KNOW that you will find someone who will be helpful. I had the toughest time getting someone to even see me let alone finding someone that I found helpful to work with. If you want to go the nonmedicated route then I would definitely try to find a psychologist vs psychiatrist as most psychiatrists today prescribe meds and send you out the door (totally fine if that is what you are looking for and it helps you!) Hope you start feeling better real soon and remember to take things day by day. It does get better

Re: Post partum depression/anxiety

FYI - there are meds that are totally safe while nursing and that will really help you. Find a psychiatrist that will see you for an evaluation, even if the time/location isn't ideal -- they don't have to be your ongoing therapist but they can get medication settled if that is needed.

Re: Post partum depression/anxiety

Can you get a local recco from your OB, or pediatrician?

Re: Post partum depression/anxiety

Hi. I know of an excellent therapist who specializes in postpartum concerns. Here is her info..
Lori
516-535-0490

HTH

Re: Post partum depression/anxiety

I am no doctor but FWIW I was dealing with major anxiety during my pregnancy and around 34 weeks I had a breakdown at my obgyn appt. My dr prescribed me a super low dose of zoloft and it helped me immensely. I'm now 3 months postpartum and I feel so much better and am stopping the medication. It was a helpful tool to get me through all of the stress and anxiety I was dealing with and now being on the other side, I'm glad I spoke up rather than suffering in silence. I felt so much shame about feeling like I needed to take something to help me cope but I know I did the right thing to ultimately be a healthy (sane) mom for my family. Talk to your OB for starters and they may have some advice on medication as well as a therapy referral. It will get better

Post partum depression/anxiety

I had it, bad. Anger up on top, weepies at the bottom, but not totally 100% PPD or PPA, Just a lot of stuff all rolled into one. This is why we are here, to help! I see a therapist sometimes and take a low dose of Zoloft too. It really helps.

Re: Post partum depression/anxiety

I know someone who went a support group at Southside Hospital for PPD. SHe made some great friends there and found it very helpful.

Best of luck to you!