Looking for a Good Counselor in SE for Postpartum Anxiety....

RX - seriously, consider it. My doc perscribed it for me for the same reasons.

Perhaps this website can help you find a resource in your area: http://www.babybluesconnection.org/

Check the community/county health department website too, they might be able to link you to some resources.

Hi A.,
I know you're not looking for words of encouragement but I wanted to tell you about my story in hopes that it will help you in the time between now and when you go to see a counselor.

After my son was born I thought I was going crazy because of the thoughts that seemed to come from no where about potential accidents and worries. I couldn't make them go away. My son is now 2 and I finally found out what was happening and researched obsessive thinking and OCD thinking and I found a wealth of information. I found out that my brain continued to send those thoughts because of the reaction I had to them. I found out how to change my reaction to them so my brain wouldn't send them. I learned remain calm, to think calmly that the thoughts I was thinking had no power over me. It was amazing, they almost completely stopped. Now if a crazy thought pops in I stay calm and say, "This thought has no power over me."

I hope this helps and I hope you can find a good counselor to help you through this.

The nurse that runs one of the New Moms groups recommended this info. when I emailed her a similar question.

"I'm sorry to hear about your friend but good that she has you watching out for her. I'm concerned that she's getting the right kind of help or meds for her situation. Baby Blues has a good website http://www.babybluesconnection.org/ and I know they have a support group that meets at St Vincent's on Friday mornings which might work for her. The clininc I refer people to is Wilwood Psychiatric Resource Center http://wildwoodpsych.com/index.html . They specialize in perinatal support and Glenda Peterson is my favorite person there. Otherwise there are many counselors listed on the BBC website. Diane Solomon is also very good."

My friend is having similar issues and she has a 3 year old. She would like to be part of a support group, but there isn't much for moms with toddlers/preschoolers. She lives in Oregon City. If you are interested in someone to talk to with similar issues, I'll email me and I'll pass along your information to her.

I'm there to talk with her, but not experiences these issues, so I'm not a lot of help. The ear helps, but I think she would get more benefit by talking with others that have similar issues and with toddlers/preschoolers.

Maybe there are others out there in Portland Metro that might benefit from a support group/play group type of meeting?

Good luck and remember, you're on your way to recover by reaching out. You are doing the right thing.

I am not sure about Portland, but up here in Olympia we have a community based mental health program. It is called Behavioral Health Resources. This would be a great place to start.
You can connect with a local postpartum doula do see if she knows of someone in the area. You can find a few Portland postpartum doulas at www.DoulaMatch.net and then click on the upper left corner that says "Browse doula listings" then click on your state. I just checked and there are a few postpartum doula in Portland.

Another resource would be National Alliance for Mental Illness or NAMI. This is a support group driven community. I know our local chapter has lists of providers and support groups. http://www.nami.org/MSTemplate.cfm?MicrositeID=58 This is the link I found for it (I think) This one is for the state of OR and they can help you find the chapter closest to you. http://www.nami.org/MSTemplate.cfm?Site=NAMI_Oregon

I did a little research and some calling for you. Western Psychological and Counseling does offer PPD support. Here is their web http://www.westernpsych.com/services/

Good luck, and hang in there.
I myself have dealt with PPD, and it is something you can work your way threw. The best thing is reaching out for help. You are not alone!!!

Hugz
B.

carol stampfer is my current therapist, and she is INCREDIBLE (she also does medication). she's on 11th between morrison and belmont. i actually drive from newberg 2-3 times a month to see her, and she's wonderful when it comes to pregnancy and medications. if you're interested i can get her number for you.