Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental Health

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Anxiety and mood changes during or after pregnancy can be incredibly tough - and isolating. You may be feeling detached, guilty, and/or incapable. Along with the pressure some moms feel to “do it all,” reaching out for support can be pushed to the side and delayed.

Early recognition of a potential PMAD is important for both you and your baby. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, sad, or anxious, consider reaching out. Appropriate treatment can prevent these feelings from worsening so that you can get back to enjoying your life and bonding with your baby. Plus, getting this support can help you contribute to creating a more positive environment for your whole family.

You are not alone. As they say, “it takes a village.” Let’s talk about how we can work together to put you in the best position to enjoy this special time in your/your baby’s life.

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)

  • Are you feeling more anxious or worried than usual since becoming pregnant or after giving birth?

  • Do you feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being a new parent?

  • Is it difficult for you to bond with your baby?

  • Do you feel like you’re not yourself anymore?

  • Do you feel disconnected from your partner, family, or friends?

PMADs are mental health conditions that can affect women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. These syndromes include Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Psychosis (very rare). They involve persistent distress that interferes with a woman's ability to function and enjoy life during and after pregnancy.

This is a photo of a woman holding and looking lovingly at her newborn baby.

Understanding the Process

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First things first - we’re going to talk about exactly what you're going through right now. We’ll also cover your medical and mental health history. This will help get a clear picture of your individual situation. The goal is then to identify whether you may be experiencing a formal PMAD.

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We’re going to come up with a plan to fit your specific needs and goals. This plan will outline the the strategies and therapeutic approaches we will use to help you navigate this challenging time.

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In our sessions, we will focus on practical coping skills to help you manage your symptoms. The goal is to improve your overall emotional well-being.

As you begin to feel better and more resilient, our work together will shift to maintaining your progress. This will involve going over the strategies you have learned and applying them to any new challenges that may come up. We’ll talk about changing the frequency of our sessions and about doing regular check-ins. The goal is for you to continue feeling confident and empowered as you move forward!

Being a mom is incredibly rewarding but it can also be really hard. Remember, you don't have to go through this by yourself. Therapy can offer the support and tools to help you feel more at ease and confident. You deserve to feel like your best self.