I knew the statistics. I knew that as many as 20 percent of new mothers suffer from one or more types of postpartum anxiety. I knew the symptoms, including constant worry, irritability, sleep disturbances, and a relentless fear that something terrible might happen to one of my daughters.
I knew how helpful therapy could be. I knew because I’d been in and out of therapists’ offices since I was a young child and the judge presiding over my parents’ highly contentious divorce mandated that I talk to someone.
Oh, and I knew it all because I’m a clinical social worker. I’ve spent years of my professional life on the other side of the therapy room—asking questions, making connections, and offering insights in hopes of facilitating change and healing.
I knew it all, and yet I didn’t have a clue.
Read the rest of this article that I wrote over on Parents.com.
