This Isn't What I Expected

Postpartum Depression

Healthcare Providers and Your Perinatal Population

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on February 23, 2018

Every healthcare provider who comes in contact with a perinatal woman should hand her a list of reputable, reliable, and accessible local maternal mental health professionals.

Every healthcare provider who comes in contact with a perinatal woman should hand her a list of reputable, reliable, and accessible local maternal mental health professionals.

Postpartum Depression

Healthcare Providers Continue to Miss the Mark

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on January 23, 2018

They should no longer be shocked when a postpartum woman discloses she is having scary thoughts.

They should no longer be shocked when a postpartum woman discloses she is having scary thoughts.

Postpartum Depression

#SpeaktheSecret

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on November 10, 2017

Postpartum women do not talk about how they are really feeling.

Postpartum women do not talk about how they are really feeling.

Depression

Having a Baby After Postpartum Depression?

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on October 5, 2017

Do not tell me to snap out of it. I can’t.

Do not tell me to snap out of it. I can’t.

Anxiety

The Contamination of Motherhood?

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on September 7, 2017

Depending on one’s frame of reference, mothers could, conceivably, be taking on way too much responsibility for things that may be largely out of their control.

Depending on one’s frame of reference, mothers could, conceivably, be taking on way too much responsibility for things that may be largely out of their control.

Postpartum Depression

"I Had No Idea I Was Overdoing It"

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on August 11, 2017

If you think you might be overdoing it, you probably are.

If you think you might be overdoing it, you probably are.

Depression

The Voice of Depression

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on August 2, 2017

If we consider depression as a voice that serves to protect the core self, it may be the only way her system can respond when she’s overwhelmed.

If we consider depression as a voice that serves to protect the core self, it may be the only way her system can respond when she’s overwhelmed.

Postpartum Depression

Is Authentic Suffering the Missing Link?

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on July 18, 2017

Authentic suffering is that which is obscured by what she wants us to know and what she will let us see.

Authentic suffering is that which is obscured by what she wants us to know and what she will let us see.

Environment

Sitting with Suffering

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on June 25, 2017

Mastering our environment is something that can feel impossible when the odds of anything getting better are slim.

Mastering our environment is something that can feel impossible when the odds of anything getting better are slim.

Suicide

Suicide Is a Scary Word

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on May 23, 2017

Passive thoughts of suicide should alert every therapist to the possibility that darkness is looming.

Passive thoughts of suicide should alert every therapist to the possibility that darkness is looming.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression: Mothers and Babies Are Still Dying

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on May 19, 2017

Scores of pregnant and postpartum women continue to suffer in silence and wonder if letting someone know will make things better or worse.

Scores of pregnant and postpartum women continue to suffer in silence and wonder if letting someone know will make things better or worse.

Attention

The 5 Promises Every Couple Should Make to Each Other

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on April 25, 2017

I will refrain from asking or wondering what I will get out of this.

I will refrain from asking or wondering what I will get out of this.

Transference

Countertransference: When is Yours Mine?

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on April 11, 2017

Our job is to let her know that no matter how bad she feels, how hard she cries and how much it hurts, it’s okay.

Our job is to let her know that no matter how bad she feels, how hard she cries and how much it hurts, it’s okay.

Marriage

Are You Ready to Give?

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on March 27, 2017

Rule number one that I learned early on in my marriage: Never presume.

Rule number one that I learned early on in my marriage: Never presume.

Depression

Do Not Stop Until You Find the Right Help

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on March 5, 2017

Accept the fact that you are not feeling good right now and that it will not always feel this way. Ask for help.

Accept the fact that you are not feeling good right now and that it will not always feel this way. Ask for help.

Postpartum Depression

Holding Perinatal Women in Distress

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on February 9, 2017

You do this as she leans away from you, tempted by the darkness.

You do this as she leans away from you, tempted by the darkness.

Postpartum Depression

C'mon, Do Postpartum Women Really Need Therapy?

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on January 3, 2017

Connecting with a therapist who knows what is going on with you right now provides clarification and essential reassurance

Connecting with a therapist who knows what is going on with you right now provides clarification and essential reassurance

Postpartum Depression

Perfectly Postpartum

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on December 11, 2016

Kindness toward yourself can help offset the pangs of self-criticism.

Kindness toward yourself can help offset the pangs of self-criticism.

Postpartum Depression

Naked

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on October 28, 2016

This state of feeling raw and exposed is precisely what propels some postpartum women into therapy and what deters others from ever seeking help.

This state of feeling raw and exposed is precisely what propels some postpartum women into therapy and what deters others from ever seeking help.

Sleep

9 Ways Motherhood Can Break Your Spirit

Karen Kleiman MSW, LCSW on September 29, 2016

Longing for previous, worry-free days where spontaneity and carefree enjoyment was plentiful feels utterly incompatible with how your life feels right now.

Longing for previous, worry-free days where spontaneity and carefree enjoyment was plentiful feels utterly incompatible with how your life feels right now.