Perinatal Mental Health

As a therapist, I bring extensive knowledge of perinatal mental health and advanced training through the leading perinatal organization, Postpartum Support International (PSI). I also bring my own life experience as a mother of two young children. Our parenting journeys often go very differently than we had imagined. Everyone's parenting journey is unique and yet many parents share similar hopes, fears, and extremely difficult times. Therapy can help. We can work together to relieve your distress, increase your self-knowledge and practical skills, and build a strong therapeutic connection to alleviate the loneliness that this time often brings.

Why now?

The pregnancy and postpartum period can present unexpected challenges to one's physical and mental health. Many factors contribute to the distress of this unique time:

Biochemical changes in the body from pregnancy & having a baby that affect mood
Physical or psychological injury from the birthing process
Stress from caring for a baby around the clock
Sleep deprivation
A sense of feeling lost within the world of caretaking
Feelings of guilt and shame that the distress is happening

How it can feel

Many women (around 15%) develop Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, and other related conditions after the arrival of their baby. These are common and treatable conditions with access to the right support. Symptoms can include:

Crying and feeling sad
Decrease in self-esteem and self-worth
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, fearful
Difficulty sleeping or eating even when given respite
Feeling lonely and isolated
Feeling irritable and angry
Having difficulty bonding with baby
Intrusive and unwanted thoughts
Feelings of regret and/or shame

Postpartum Depression and Anxiety can happen to anyone. This happens to good, smart, strong mothers every day. While these reactions are common, they should not be endured without help. Your mental health matters for yourself and your family.

Working with a trained therapist can help you lower distress levels, as you process what you are going through and gain skills to manage overwhelming thoughts, feelings and circumstances. This difficult period won't last forever, and the sooner you access support, the sooner you can feel the storm subside.

Mental Health Resources

Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Support International offers information, resources, support groups, and mentorship to help those in distress from having children. They also offer a free helpline (8am-11pm EST) that you can call or text for resources and support.

https://www.postpartum.net/

1-800-944-4773

Maternal Mental Health Hotline

This National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy, 24/7. Call or text to connect with professional counselors to access support and information.

https://mchb.hrsa.gov/

1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 to access a 24-hour Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors provide free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, and connect them to resources across the US.

Call or Text 988

Contact

Please feel free to reach out for a free, 15-minute consultation call. I can tell you more about my experience and approach.