When you prepare to become a mom, there are classes to help you learn how to breathe during delivery, how to change diapers, how to nurse, and other essential tasks. Unfortunately, nobody seems to talk much about the more personal changes to anticipate and prepare for. For example, what if you start feeling depressed or anxious for “no reason?” How about the feeling of isolation, feeling like you’ve lost a part of yourself and your life that you’ll never back, the change in identity and the grief that goes along with it, the “mom guilt,” the complete overwhelm at the crying and demands of your little? The struggles of motherhood are real, valid, treatable, AND you’re not alone. That’s where we come in. We get the conversation started not only about “perinatal mental health” (read more below), but about what it means to enter into motherhood- the good, the bad, the ugly, and the most profoundly beautiful. Read more below and call us today to see how we can help.
What is perinatal mental health?
Perinatal mental health refers to the mental health and well-being of mothers during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It is common for many mothers to experience mood changes related to pregnancy and postpartum. In addition,15-20% of mothers go on to develop more significant symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is not just limited to mothers though! According to Postpartum Support International (PSI), “One in ten dads gets postpartum depression, and up to 18% develop a clinically significant anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder at some point during the pregnancy or the first year postpartum.”
The pregnancy and postpartum period are marked by so many changes and stress (good stress included here!). Not only are there physical and emotional changes to deal with, but life looks very different after the arrival of a little one than it did before. Many times, mothers (and fathers/partners) experience these changes (and symptoms) in isolation.
Trust me when I say you are not alone in experiencing these struggles. They are more common than you think. There are effective strategies that can help you overcome these struggles so you can better enjoy this special season with your baby.
What kinds of concerns can you help me with?
Contact us today if you:
- Have thoughts that make you feel like you’re “losing it” or are “not cut out to be a mother”
- Experience anxiety, like frequent worry, that makes it hard for you to focus, rest, and enjoy this season in life
- Experience depressive symptoms that impact your ability to enjoy life and function the way you would like to
- Have trouble sleeping because your mind is racing with thoughts, worries, and fears
- Have difficulty with balancing your role in motherhood with your role as a career professional
- Have difficulty with balancing your role in motherhood with your role as a stay-at-home parent
- Struggle with how to prioritize your own self-care and well-being
- Desire to succeed in all the roles you hold right now (parent, partner, professional, caretaker, homemaker, friend, community member)
- Feel like you are having an “identity crisis” related to your new role in motherhood
- Feel like you’re grieving the loss of other roles as you embrace your new role in motherhood
Can Spring Forth Counseling Services help me?
Dr. Rios has completed specialized training in the topic of perinatal mental health (mental wellness during pregnancy and postpartum) and motherhood, and is in the process of pursuing a certification specific to these concerns through PSI’s Perinatal Mental Health Certification Program. Dr. Rios is passionate about helping and supporting new moms, and is committed to (and excited about) developing this as a new area of specialty. Contact us today if you would like to schedule a consultation or appointment.
