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 is also help available. Therapy can be effective in reducing these challenges.
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 difficulty with balancing your role as a parent with your role as a career professional
- Have difficulty with balancing your role as a parent 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 as a parent
- Feel like you’re grieving the loss of other roles as you embrace your new role as a parent
Can Spring Forth Counseling Services help me?
Dr. Rios has completed specialized training in the topic of perinatal mental health 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 perinatal mental health, 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.