Postpartum Anxiety & Depression in Calgary: How Therapy Can Help New Moms & Families Thrive

Welcoming a new baby into the world is often described as one of the happiest times in life. But for many new mothers and parents, the postpartum period brings more than just joy. It can also include overwhelming anxiety, depression, mood swings, and emotional exhaustion. If you're a new mom in Calgary—or a partner concerned for one—you are not alone. Postpartum anxiety and depression affect 1 in 5 mothers and can have a profound impact on the well-being of the entire family.

At Shelly Qualtieri & Associates, our team of compassionate therapists, including Kim Noll, a Calgary psychologist specializing in postpartum mental health, is here to support you. With no waitlist, free 30-minute consultations, and virtual or in-person sessions, we make it easier to get the help you need, when you need it.

What Is Postpartum Depression & Anxiety?

Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA) are mental health conditions that occur after childbirth, usually within the first year. They can affect not only mothers but also fathers and partners.

Postpartum Depression Symptoms:

🔴Persistent sadness or emptiness
🔴Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
🔴Difficulty bonding with your baby
🔴Exhaustion or insomnia
🔴Thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness

Postpartum Anxiety Symptoms:

🔴Racing thoughts and constant worry
🔴Panic attacks
🔴Obsessive fears about baby’s health or safety
🔴Irritability or restlessness
🔴Physical symptoms like heart palpitations or nausea

These are more than just the “baby blues.” If symptoms last more than two weeks, it’s important to seek professional help.

Why New Moms in Calgary Are Struggling

Calgary’s fast-paced lifestyle, combined with the pressure of being a “perfect parent,” can make it harder for new moms to ask for help. Many feel isolated, unsupported, or afraid to admit that they're not enjoying motherhood the way they thought they would.

Common local barriers include:

🔵Lack of nearby family or support systems
🔵Pressure to return to work quickly
🔵Minimal awareness about postpartum mental health
🔵Cultural or social stigma around therapy

At Shelly Qualtieri & Associates, we understand these challenges and create a safe, stigma-free space where new moms and parents can process what they’re feeling.

Meet Kim Noll: Calgary Psychologist for Postpartum Support

Kim Noll is a Registered Provisional Psychologist in Calgary with a strong focus on women’s mental health, infertility, pregnancy loss, and parenting children under 12. Her work is rooted in compassion, evidence-based practice, and emotional attunement.

Kim can help you with:

✔️Navigating postpartum depression and anxiety
✔️Rebuilding emotional connection with your partner
✔️Managing parenting stress for children under 12
✔️Processing infertility or previous pregnancy loss while adjusting to new parenthood

Her approach includes:

✔️Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to shift negative thinking patterns
✔️Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you stay grounded in your values
✔️Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to rebuild relationship connection

Kim offers both virtual and in-person sessions to accommodate your unique postpartum needs.

How Therapy Helps You Thrive

Therapy isn’t just about talking. It’s about creating space for healing, developing coping tools, and building a roadmap back to yourself. Here’s how therapy can help postpartum moms and families thrive:

1. Reconnect with Yourself

Motherhood can feel like losing yourself in sleepless nights and endless needs. Therapy helps you:

✔️ Understand your emotional triggers
✔️ Rebuild self-worth
✔️ Develop self-compassion

2. Strengthen Relationships

Postpartum mental health often strains relationships. Therapy can:

✔️ Improve communication with your partner
✔️Address resentment or emotional distance
✔️Foster shared parenting strategies

3. Regulate Emotions

Instead of feeling like your emotions are running the show, therapy teaches you tools to:

✔️Manage anxiety and panic
✔️Address intrusive thoughts
✔️Practice mindfulness and grounding techniques

4. Build a Village

Many new moms in Calgary don’t have family close by. Therapy helps you:

✔️ Identify sources of support
✔️ Learn to ask for help without guilt
✔️ Feel less alone in your journey

When to Seek Help

You don’t need to wait until you’re in crisis to seek support.
Reach out if you:

🚩Cry more days than not
🚩Feel numb or detached from your baby
🚩Struggle to sleep even when your baby sleeps
🚩Feel anxious about leaving the house or making small decisions
🚩Have trouble enjoying things you once loved

The sooner you get support, the sooner you’ll start to feel like yourself again.  If you're a new mom and feeling concerned about postpartum symptoms, you can call 811 to speak with a healthcare professional and get medical advice anytime.

What to Expect in Your First Session

When you book a free 30-minute consultation with Kim, here’s what happens:

✔️You’ll talk about what’s been happening emotionally and mentally
✔️Kim will help you understand what therapy can offer
✔️You’ll be matched with the best session structure for your goals (individual, couples, or parenting-focused).

From there, sessions are usually 50 minutes and can take place weekly or biweekly, depending on your needs and availability.

Real Stories from New Moms (Shared with Permission)

📣“I thought I was going crazy after my daughter was born. Kim helped me understand that I wasn’t broken—I was overwhelmed. She gave me tools and reminded me I wasn’t alone.”

📣“Our relationship hit rock bottom after our son was born. Therapy gave us a safe space to say the things we were too afraid to admit. We’re stronger now—together.”

Why Choose Shelly Qualtieri & Associates?

We’re not just therapists—we’re parents, caregivers, and compassionate professionals who understand the emotional journey of new families.

Here’s what sets us apart:

⭐ No waitlist – Get support when you need it most
⭐ Free 30-minute consultations – A safe space to explore next steps
⭐ In-person or virtual options – Support from Calgary or anywhere in Alberta
⭐Therapy for women, couples, and families
⭐Evening & Saturday availability – Flexible scheduling for busy families

We proudly serve:
📍Calgary
📍Airdrie
📍Okotoks
📍Cochrane
📍Lethbridge
📍Edmonton
📍Red Deer
📍Rural and remote areas across Alberta

Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?

If you’re searching Google for:

🌍"Postpartum depression Calgary"
🌍"Calgary therapist for new moms"
🌍"Postpartum anxiety support Alberta"

…then you’ve already taken the first brave step. Let’s take the next one—together. Book your free 30-minute consultation with Kim Noll today and start building the emotional resilience, peace, and joy you deserve.

Or call us at 587-330-1155.