What is Perinatal Mental Health?
Perinatal Mental Health encompasses your mental health and wellness during and after pregnancy, which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum phase. We additionally include the time when you may be trying to get pregnant.Â
Understanding the mental health challenges faced during these times is vital for fostering a healthy family environment and ensuring that both parent and child thrive.
Recognizing when you need help is a courageous move. While many feel that they should manage their struggles alone or in silence, this can exacerbate feelings of isolation and despair. Therapy can allow for the exploration of feelings and development of strategies in a judgement free space. You don’t have to do it alone.
The journey to parenthood
The journey into parenthood  and becoming a parent can upend stability in anyone’s life.
For few, the experience is smooth, joyful, and without concern.Â
For many, there are bumps along the road along with those joyful moments.Â
Many expectant parents look forward to this time with excitement, but it can also bring about a mix of emotions and challenges.Â
For some, this transition to parenthood is rife with confusion, worry, sadness, and pain. Some may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility, while others may face significant emotional hurdles such as anxiety, depression, emotional instability, obsessions and compulsions, trauma, and more.Â
You are not alone, and there is help available. It is important to recognize these feelings and know that support is available to help you get back to feeling more like yourself.Â
Each parent’s experience is valid and deserves acknowledgment. The emotional well-being of the parent can significantly influence the family unit, making it crucial to address any mental health concerns that arise during this transformative phase.
We can address the following concerns
The range of issues that can arise during the perinatal period is extensive, from managing anxiety to navigating the complexities of postpartum depression. It’s important to understand that seeking help for these concerns is a proactive step towards achieving mental wellness.Â
Journey to parenthood
Infertility journey
Miscarriage
Abortion
Infant loss
High risk pregnancies
Traumatic birth experiences
NICU experiences
Postpartum stress
Bonding concerns
Parenting stress & concerns
Relational stress in parenting
Perinatal specific:
Anxiety
Depression
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress
Bipolar Disorder
Adjustment Concerns
Each experience is unique, and understanding the mental health aspects can lead to better coping strategies and support.Â
Therapy can help
If you are in this life stage and are struggling with depression, anxiety, panic, scary thoughts, or not feeling the way you expected you would, we can help.Â
The evidence-based treatment is therapy in conjunction with medication management by a doctor. We can help with the therapy and coordinate care with a doctor. This approach is recommended to help treat your symptoms. Â We can also help connect you with community resources and organizations that provide support for perinatal mental health. It can be helpful to utilize a variety of resources and find the support that works best for you. Seeking help is a sign of strength and an essential part of the journey to feeling like yourself again.Â
Why seeking help is essential
Recognizing when you need help is a courageous decision. Many individuals may feel as though they should manage their struggles alone, but this can exacerbate feelings of isolation and despair. Reaching out for support can improve not only your mental health but also the quality of life for your child and family. Engaging in therapy allows for the exploration of feelings and the development of coping strategies.
Additionally, support groups can provide a sense of community and understanding. Sharing experiences with others who are undergoing similar challenges can create a feeling of connection, reminding parents they are not alone on this journey.
Providers who work with perinatal mental health:
Ready to give therapy a try?
We can help!