Maternal Mental Health
preconception, Pregnancy, postpartum, Parenthood
everything in between and beyond
Oh baby… What did I get myself into?”
The perinatal period includes a range of phases including pre-conception planning, fertility hardships, pregnancy loss, abortion, pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum and motherhood / parenthood.
If you are finding yourself in one of these phases you may be experiencing a lot of ups and downs and a myriad of feelings- perhaps, joy, hope, fulfillment, pride and excitement… but maybe also exhaustion, disillusionment, anxiety, depression, relationship strain. You may feel traumatized, touched-out, disconnected, crushed by the mental load, and a loss of identity.
It is common to feel bogged down by the day to day needs of family or preoccupation of the struggles experienced in this period of life, so much so, that you may rarely find yourself enjoying the moments, laughing, or experiencing meaningful connection with others.
This time is full of change, unknowns, and challenges but you don’t have to go through it feeling out of control, alone, guilty or overwhelmed. We can work together to address underlying issues and develop plans to support you through this challenging season and into a place of nurturement, enjoyment, and honoring yourself.
“I’ve heard of postpartum depression But…That doesn’t fit what I’m Feeling”
You likely have heard of postpartum depression, but many people have not heard of other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) that many women and birthing persons can experience. PMADs can be quite common but often go unidentified and untreated.
One of the most common statements I hear from mothers of toddlers and older children is:
“I didn’t realize how much my anxiety was impacting me until after the fact.”
Sometimes when we are in it, it is so hard to even identify what we are experiencing or feeling. We might be frightened by intrusive thoughts, scared to sleep or let anyone care for our baby, or maybe our anxiety is such that we find ourselves deeply irritated or even rageful from the most minor of interactions. You don’t have to wait it out months, years or… forever, for “things to calm down” enough that you can take a breath. I’m here to help you navigate through this now.
If you think you may be experiencing a PMAD or some of these symptoms resonate with you, this is a great time to explore therapy. Treatment options for PMADs can, if you choose, include a combination of therapy, medication, social and family support network planning, accessing positive coping, addressing nutrition, and making plans that support regular sleep and self care.
In my opinion, it does not take a village to raise a child, rather; it takes a village to support a mother raising a child.
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* Perinatal Depression is the most common complication of the perinatal period
* Prevalence of pregnant people’s experience: 10% Perinatal (in pregnancy) Depression, 15% Postpartum Depression, 30% Postpartum Depression in teens
* Anger, irritability, limited interest in baby, appetite shifts, sleep issues, sadness and crying, guilt, shame, hopelessness, loss of joy, thoughts of harming self or the baby
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* Prevalence of pregnant people’s experience: 6% Perinatal (in pregnancy) Anxiety, 10% Postpartum Anxiety
* Persistent worry, racing thoughts, feeling impending doom, sleep/ appetite issues, fidgety/ unable to sit still, dizziness, hot flashes and/or nausea. Worry that impacts how you live your life. Worries that interrupt and impact sleep. Can include irritability, overwhelm, overstimulation and desire to control.
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*Prevalence of pregnant people’s experience: 3-5% Postpartum OCD
* Upsetting, persistent and repetitive intrusive thoughts about the baby, engagement in repetitive behaviors to reduce fears about these thoughts, worry about being left alone with the baby, hypervigilance, see their thoughts as concerning however the mother is unlikely to ever act on these thoughts.
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* Prevalence of pregnant people’s experience: 9% Postpartum PTSD
* Experience or perception of trauma during pregnancy, delivery or postpartum such as emergency C-Section, NICU stay, birth injury to mother, feeling powerless or fearing death in delivery.
* May experience intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, avoiding things that remind them of the event, anxiety and panic episodes, and detachment
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* Periods of severely depressed mood and irritability, and at least one period of mania or hypomania
* Those with Bipolar Disorder are at higher risk for developing postpartum psychosis so having a medication, therapy, sleep and support plan will be so important for the postpartum period
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* Prevalence of pregnant people’s experience: .1-.2 percent of births
* Delusions, hallucinations, irritability, hyperactivity, severely depressed mood, paranoia, severe mood swings
* With adequate professional intervention, postpartum psychosis is treatable and temporary, but emergency help is needed immediately. Higher risk for suicide and infanticide.
-Postpartum Support International
“it’s normal to experience difficulties in pregnancy and postpartum… but Do i really need therapy?”
We all carry our own preconceived notions about therapy, medications for mood, and how you should feel, especially in pregnancy, postpartum and motherhood. In therapy, we can break down these common barriers to the support you deserve and learn to leave the shoulds at the door. Engaging in therapy does not mean there is something wrong with you, in fact, it means you recognize the benefit of prioritizing yourself.
“i don’t think of myself as postpartum anymore but… I still don’t feel like myself”
You may have made it through the first year, the first few years or maybe you are well into your motherhood journey…first of all, congratulations, I hope you spend some time reveling all you have done, it is nothing short of moving mountains. But just because you are out of the early phases of motherhood doesn’t mean you are suddenly feeling back to “yourself”. And sometimes amidst all of the demands of parenthood we may find ourselves thinking… “is this all there is?”
It is universal, at times, to miss the physical and mental freedom you had pre-children. And, the truth is, it isn’t reasonable to expect that we will ever be completely back to our pre-pregnancy selves. Motherhood changes us in many ways. As we navigate our changing selves, we may find ourselves in a reactionary state, constantly responding to the new circumstances that are thrown at us.
Alternatively, we can strive for transformation that is rooted in intentionality rather than reaction. We can choose to become mothers who allow themselves guilt-free carefree time, enjoyment, rest, support, and FUN, as these are often the experiences that go first and that we need most, when we are met with the stress, anxiety, and overwhelm of balancing life as a mother.
We can model for our children that becoming a parent can mean more than giving your entire self until there is nothing left. That you can be a present mother and also nurture yourself, find enjoyment within and outside of motherhood, and learn about who you are now and who you want to become. Just because you became a mom, doesn’t mean this is the end of your story.
I may be in crisis…
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or others or are having a mental health crisis
Sweet Orange Therapy Services does not provide crisis or on call counseling services. Please contact the listed services if you are in need of crisis counseling or call 911.
If you are struggling with substance use
While I certainly works with folks with differing relationships with alcohol or other substances and who may be in different stages of recovery, I do not provide substance use counseling services. If you are struggling with substance use and are ready for help, please contact one of the linked services for treatment and support.
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Colorado Crisis Services provides 24/7 mental health support by text and phone, walk in clinics and mobile crisis units for those needing urgent response.
1-844-493-8255
Text “TALK” to 38255
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If you are having suicidal thoughts or plans please call this 24/7 crisis support line. Dial 988 anywhere in the United States to be connected. We need you here.
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SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for people with mental health and/or substance use disorders.
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
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1-800-484-3731
Toll-free national overdose prevention, detection, life-saving crisis response and medical intervention services for people who use substances. Never Use Alone’s peer operators are available 24/7.
“Be a full person. Motherhood is a glorious gift, but do not define yourself soley by motherhood. Be a full person. Your child will benefit from that.”
-Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions