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There Is a Word for What Happened to You
When You Became a Mother
The word is matrescence.
It describes the psychological, emotional, physical, and identity transformation that every woman goes through when she becomes a mother. It was coined by anthropologist Dana Raphael in the 1970s, largely forgotten, and has only recently begun to enter the conversation — because for decades, we didn't have language for what so many mothers were quietly experiencing.
Matrescence is as profound as adolescence. It reorganizes your sense of self, your relationships, your values, your body, and your sense of the future. And like adolescence, it is non-linear, disorienting, and deeply uncomfortable — even when you wanted this, even when you love your child completely.
If you've become a mother and felt like you don't quite know who you are anymore — like the self you knew before is gone, and the self you're becoming isn't yet clear — you are not broken. You are in the middle of one of the most significant transformations a human being can go through. And very few people are talking about it.
Signs of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression looks different for everyone. Some women feel deep sadness. Others feel numb. Some are overwhelmed with anxiety. Others feel rage.
Common signs of PPD:
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Persistent sadness, crying, or feeling empty
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Severe anxiety or panic attacks
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Difficulty bonding with your baby
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Intrusive, scary thoughts (about harm coming to the baby or yourself)
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Feeling like you've made a terrible mistake
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Withdrawing from your partner, family, or friends
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Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
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Sleeping too much or not being able to sleep even when the baby sleeps
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Feeling worthless, guilty, or like a bad mother
Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please reach out for help immediately. Call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. You deserve support, and these thoughts are a sign that you need help now.
When Should You Seek Help for Postpartum Depression?
Many women tell themselves to “just push through” or wait for things to get better. But postpartum depression is not something you have to handle on your own.
It may be time to seek support if:
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Your symptoms have lasted more than two weeks
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You feel disconnected from your baby or yourself
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Daily tasks feel overwhelming or unmanageable
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You’re not feeling any moments of relief or enjoyment
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You’re having thoughts of harming yourself or feel like your family would be better off without you
You don’t need to wait until things get worse. The earlier you get support, the easier it is to start feeling like yourself again.
Getting Help for Postpartum Depression in Austin
As a therapist in Austin who specializes in postpartum depression and perinatal mental health, I work with women who are navigating exactly what you’re going through.
Whether you’re feeling numb, overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected, therapy gives you a space where you don’t have to pretend you’re okay.
I offer:
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Therapy for postpartum depression in Austin
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Support for new moms adjusting to life after baby
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Help with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and emotional overwhelm
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Virtual sessions for women across PSYPACT states
Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Depression
1 / What Causes Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression is not caused by one single thing—it’s usually a combination of factors.
Some of the most common contributors include:
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Hormonal changes after birth that can impact mood regulation
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Sleep deprivation that wears down your emotional resilience
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The identity shift into motherhood, especially if you feel like you’ve “lost yourself”
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Relationship stress or lack of support
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A history of anxiety, depression, or perfectionism
For many women, it’s not just one thing—it’s everything all at once.
And none of it means you’ve done anything wrong.
2 / How Therapy for Postpartum Depression Can Help
When you’re in the middle of postpartum depression, it can feel like this is just your new normal. It’s not.
Therapy can help you:
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Feel like yourself again
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Quiet the constant guilt and self-criticism
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Reduce intrusive or racing thoughts
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Rebuild connection with your baby
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Process your birth or postpartum experience
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Strengthen your relationship with your partner
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Feel more present, grounded, and emotionally steady
You don’t have to keep surviving your days. It’s possible to actually feel better.
3 / How long does postpartum depression last?
It can last for months—or longer—if left untreated. With the right support, many women start to feel relief much sooner.
4 / Will postpartum depression go away on its own?
Like with postpartum anxiety sometimes symptoms improve over time, but many women continue to struggle without support. Therapy can significantly speed up recovery.
5 / What’s the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression?
About 80% of new mothers experience the "baby blues"—a period of mood swings, tearfulness, anxiety, and irritability in the first two weeks after birth. This is normal and usually resolves on its own.
Postpartum depression is different:
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It lasts longer than two weeks (and often gets worse over time)
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It's more intense—not just mood swings, but persistent sadness, anxiety, or numbness
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It interferes with daily functioning—you can't sleep, eat, or take care of yourself or your baby
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It doesn't go away on its own
If you're beyond the two-week mark and still struggling—or if your symptoms are severe even in the first two week you're dealing with postpartum depression, not baby blues. And you need treatment.
The good news: PPD is highly treatable. With the right support, most women start to feel significantly better within weeks to months.
512-766-9871
Dr. Emily Turinas, PhD — Licensed Psychologist (TX License #39668)
In-person: 2525 Wallingwood Drive 7D, Austin, Texas 78746 Serving South Austin (Zilker, Barton Hills, Travis Heights, South Lamar), Central Austin (Downtown, Tarrytown, Hyde Park), West Austin (Westlake Hills, Rollingwood), and surrounding areas.
Virtual therapy: Available across Texas and 40+ states — Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
$225 per 50-minute session | Free 15-minute initial consultation | Superbills provided for PPO reimbursement