The birth of a child is a wonderful event, but it can bring profound trials to some. Almost 15% of mothers develop postpartum depression, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Postpartum depression is, “a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in which women experience sadness, guilt, worthlessness—even, in severe cases, thoughts of harming themselves or their child,” said Tiffany Farchione, the head of psychiatry at the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
When these mothers return to work, they can really struggle to cope with the strong feelings and doubts that come with their condition. Add to that: those who celebrate, assuming all is well, when they are suffering.
Postpartum depression also effects one in ten men. “Prenatal and postpartum depression was evident in about 10% of men in the reviewed studies and was relatively higher in the 3- to 6-month postpartum period,” according NIH research.
The Company Chaplain provides support to new parents. We hold space for those who are suffering and listen with empathy, compassionately assisting them to cope. We assist folks in remembering their strengths, including spiritual practices and beliefs if those are important to the client.
We’re spiritual care providers. That means we don’t diagnose or treat medical or psychological conditions. We are clinically trained and work in interdisciplinary teams in medical centers to address the worries, fears, doubts, grief, loneliness and relationship difficulties that a person can experience alongside their illnesses.
Our services are available to all. And they may be covered by your EAP plan, as an option to other forms of counseling. Check us out and contact us at www.thecompanychaplain.com!