Postpartum Depression Counselling in Maple Ridge

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of depression that can occur after giving birth.

It goes beyond the “baby blues” – the mood swings, tearfulness, or anxiety that many new parents feel in the first week or two postpartum.

While the baby blues usually fade on their own, postpartum depression lasts longer and can be more intense.

It can appear within weeks of birth, or even months later, and affects a parent’s ability to function day-to-day or feel connected to their baby.

At Innova Therapy Maple Ridge, our counsellors help new parents recognize what’s happening, understand why it occurs, and work toward recovery through compassionate, evidence-based care.

Our clinic also provides supportive and affirming counselling for new mothers in Maple Ridge, helping them navigate emotional and practical challenges in early parenthood.

One in 5 new mothers suffer from postpartum depression.

How Common Is Postpartum Depression?

You might be surprised by how common postpartum depression is.

Studies show that 1 in 5 new mothers experience symptoms of postpartum depression.
Around 1 in 10 new fathers or partners also experience postpartum mood or anxiety disorders.

Despite being so common, many people hesitate to reach out for help – often due to guilt, shame, or fear of being judged.

But postpartum depression is not a sign of weakness or failure. It’s a real, treatable condition that can affect anyone, regardless of background or circumstance.

Common Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression affects 1 in 5 new mothers.

Symptoms can look different for everyone, but may include:

Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
Feeling detached from your baby or struggling to bond
Guilt, shame, or feeling like a “bad parent”
Intense irritability or anger
Changes in appetite or sleep (too much or too little)
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Intrusive thoughts or fears about your baby’s safety
Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unable to cope

Sometimes these symptoms are mistaken for exhaustion or “normal” new-parent stress.

These symptoms can also show up in ways that feel confusing or unexpected. Some parents describe feeling emotionally “flat,” as though they’re going through the motions without truly being present.

Others notice that small tasks like choosing what to eat, getting dressed, or responding to messages, start to feel disproportionately hard. You might also find yourself withdrawing from friends and family, feeling unusually sensitive to noise or touch, or crying without knowing why.

These experiences don’t mean you’re failing as a parent; they’re signs that your mind and body are stretched beyond what they can manage alone.

What Partners, Family, and Friends Can Do

If you’re supporting a new parent who may be struggling, your care can make a huge difference. Many parents tell us that the smallest gestures from friends or family were what helped them get through their hardest days. Here’s how you can offer meaningful support:

Listen without judgment.

Avoid rushing in with solutions or comparing their experience to someone else’s. What new parents often need most is to feel heard.

For example, if a new mom says, “I don’t feel like I’m doing anything right,” instead of replying, “Oh, you’re fine!”, you might say, “It sounds like you’re carrying a lot. I’m here with you.”

Sometimes just sitting beside them while they hold the baby, nodding and listening, can create enormous relief.

Offer practical help.

Small tasks can feel massive when someone is exhausted or overwhelmed. Real-life examples include:

Dropping off a warm meal or groceries on their doorstep.
Taking the baby for a 30-minute walk so the parent can shower or nap.
Folding a basket of laundry or loading the dishwasher while visiting.
Offering to do a quick vacuum or tidy the kitchen.

These actions might feel tiny to you, but to a tired parent, they can feel like breathing room.

Encourage rest and breaks.

Many new parents feel guilty stepping away from the baby, even for a few minutes.

You might say, “How about I hold the baby while you lie down for half an hour?” or “Why don’t you take a walk around the block while I stay here?”

For example, one Maple Ridge father told us that the best support he received was when his sister said, “Go take a shower without rushing – I’ve got the baby.” That 15 minutes made him feel human again.

Stay connected.

Isolation often deepens feelings of depression or anxiety. A simple “thinking of you” text, dropping off a coffee, or checking in with a quick call can remind a new parent they aren’t alone.
If they’ve gone quiet in group chats or stopped replying, try something low-pressure like: “No need to text back – just wanted you to know I’m here if you need anything.”
Sometimes steady, gentle contact opens the door for them to share how they’re really doing.

Encourage professional help.

If you see ongoing sadness, withdrawal, or emotional overwhelm, gently suggest reaching out for support.

This might sound like:“It seems like you’ve been having a tough time lately. Talking to a counsellor or your midwife could be really helpful — I can help you find someone if you want.”

You can even offer to sit with them during that first call or accompany them to an appointment if they feel nervous.

Remember that partners can struggle too.

Postpartum depression isn’t limited to new mothers.

Fathers, non-birthing parents, and other support persons often carry the pressure of “staying strong,” but they’re just as vulnerable to exhaustion, loneliness, or depression.

For example, a partner might quietly struggle with returning to work too soon, feeling disconnected from the baby, or managing financial pressures. If you’re a partner noticing your own mental health slipping, reaching out for counselling is just as important — support for one parent strengthens the whole family.

Treatment and Support Available in Maple Ridge

The good news is that postpartum depression is highly treatable. At Innova Therapy Maple Ridge, we offer counselling for postpartum depression, anxiety, and adjustment challenges through a compassionate, non-judgmental approach.

Our therapists are trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Attachment-Focused Counselling, helping parents:

Understand emotional and hormonal changes
Rebuild confidence and self-compassion
Strengthen communication and connection with partners
Develop practical coping and self-care strategies
Work through feelings of guilt, anger, or overwhelm

Depending on your needs, counselling can be individual, couple-based, or family-focused. Some parents find it helpful to include partners or other support persons in sessions to foster understanding and teamwork at home.

When to Reach Out for Help

You don’t need to wait until things feel unmanageable. If you’ve been feeling sad, numb, or disconnected for more than two weeks after birth, or if your symptoms are interfering with your ability to function or bond with your baby, it is time to reach out.

A lot of families seeking postpartum therapy in Maple Ridge are surprised to learn how common intrusive thoughts are.

Even if you’re unsure whether what you’re feeling “counts” as postpartum depression, a conversation with a counsellor can help you understand what’s going on and begin finding relief.

You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone

Parenthood brings both beauty and challenge – and sometimes, those challenges are bigger than anyone can handle alone.

If you’re struggling, Innova Therapy Maple Ridge is here to help you navigate this season with care and understanding. With the right support, recovery is not only possible – it will happen.

For parents looking for perinatal mental health care in Maple Ridge, booking a session can be a gentle first step toward feeling more grounded.

Book a confidential session with one of our counsellors today, and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.

Read Love After Baby: Staying Connected When Everything Changes

Postpartum Depression Counsellor in Maple Ridge

Farah Dawood, RCC

Farah Dawood, RCC | Innova Therapy Maple Ridge & Online