Prenatal & Postpartum Mental Health
Have you ever had the thought, “I’m a terrible mother”?
Do you find yourself terrified to let anyone else near your baby but desperate for some time to yourself?
Where did the person go who you were just a few weeks or months ago?
Is your chest always tight? Your mind always racing?
Have you ever looked in the mirror and not recognized the person looking back at you?
Do you keep having upsetting thoughts that you can’t get out of your mind?
Are you scared to have another child because you’re afraid of how difficult it was the last time?
Do you ever feel angry and resentful that this isn’t what you had been promised motherhood would feel like?
You are not alone.
Any of these symptoms, and many more, could suggest that you have a form of mood or anxiety disorder, such as postpartum depression. Although many women experience some mild mood changes during or after the birth of a child, 15 to 20% of women experience more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety. Please know that with the proper care you can prevent a worsening of these symptoms and can fully recover.
There is no reason for you to be in pain. You, your child and your family deserve to be well. Don’t let poor mental health rob you of these special moments in life. Don’t let your anxiety get in the way of bonding with your child.
What Are Prenatal and Postpartum Mood Disorders?
PMAD’s, or Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, can occur during a pregnancy or during the first 1-2 years postpartum. If left untreated these symptoms can remain for years or decades beyond the postpartum year.
Prenatal and Postpartum Mood & Anxiety Disorders include:
–Depression & Anxiety during pregnancy. Anxiety can include episodes of panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder and intrusive thoughts.
– Postpartum Depression is when the symptoms of clinical depression occur after your child is born, typically starting around 1-2 months postpartum or beginning before your child turns one. Symptoms of depression can also occur as a result of weaning from breastfeeding, when a sudden shift in hormones is experienced.
–Postpartum Anxiety is when the clinical symptoms of anxiety develop 1-2 months postpartum and may include moments of panic, intrusive thoughts about harm occurring to yourself or your child, or extreme vigilance over the baby. A key feature of intrusive thoughts is that the woman is distressed by them, does not want them to occur and has an awareness that they are unwanted thoughts.
–Postpartum Psychosis is rare and only occurs in 1 or 2 out of 1000 births or 0.1% of deliveries. It occurs when women experience delusions or strange beliefs, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), hyperactivity and/or paranoia and suspiciousness. If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing psychosis it is imperative that they seek medical care as soon as possible.
–Postpartum PTSD, meaning the experience of a birth trauma, or the experience of mothering can trigger significant stress response leading to the development of PTSD symptoms. These may include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of people places or things associated with the trauma and/or feelings of numbness or detachment. Approximately 9% of new mothers suffer from postpartum PTSD.
–Postpartum Rage is technically a symptom of postpartum depression and anxiety but deserves its own mention due to the harm it can cause. Postpartum rage is the sudden overwhelming and all-consuming onset of uncontrollable anger that quickly floods the mother. It can result in screaming, swearing and urges of violence in even the most mild-mannered woman. As a therapist, it is my belief that this rage stems from deeper, unmet needs. These can include isolation from supports, resentment and guilt related to our perceived failures as a mother.
How Can I Help You?
I am a trained therapist with over 10 years experience helping families heal. I understand that the prenatal and postpartum period is the highest risk time for women to experience poor mental health. I have sought specialized training to support families in need through the Postpartum Support International program.
Before I became a mom, I had no idea how complex it would be to become a mother. I’d heard all the hormonal, hungry pregnant lady jokes but I was unprepared for the total transformation it takes physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I didn’t know that I would lose myself, find myself again and have to integrate the old and new parts.
My passion is to help new moms and dads with the unexpected parts of new parenthood like mood disorders and trauma so they can focus on becoming the type of parents they are meant to be. Becoming a parent is hard work. Becoming a parent while managing a new or worsening mental health issue is too much for any one person to deal with. Let me help take care of you so you can take care of your family.
Will Prenatal and Postpartum Counselling Really Help Me?
Recovery from postpartum mood disorders is a process. It is as varied as there are women and families who experience it. Counselling is one of several key pieces that can help a new mother and her family move beyond the symptoms of poor maternal mental health.
As a society, we often forget that the mother is as new as the baby. She needs just as much care and attention. I can hold a space for you to heal and provide guidance and understanding as you experience one of life’s most personal transformations. Finding the right therapist for you is essential to getting the help you deserve. I provide free phone consultations to answer any questions or concerns you might have to help you decide if I am the right therapist to support you through this time of life.
