Making the decision to bring a new life into the world can be an incredible journey filled with joy, excitement, and anticipation. However, it is also a period of great change and vulnerability. Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional well-being of individuals from preconception through to postpartum
In my practice I see folks at all stages of their perinatal journey from making the decision to become a parent, through struggles with infertility and pregnancy loss, to pregnancy and the early years of parenthood.
In this blog post, I will explore the importance of perinatal mental health, explain perinatal mood disorders, and where you can go for support.
The Significance of Perinatal Mental Health:
Perinatal mental health plays a crucial role in the overall well-being of both parents and their newborns. But it is essential to understand that this period of vulnerability is not isolated to the postpartum period and not limited to the birthing person. In fact, dads often experience postpartum depression and many individuals will experience anxiety and or depression during pregnancy.
It's estimated that around 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men experience some form of mental health difficulty during the perinatal period (Postpartum Support International, 2024) . These challenges can have a significant impact on the parent-child relationship, the child's development, and the overall family dynamics.
Infertility and Mental Health:
Getting pregnant often isn’t as easy as they told us it was in health class. It may seem like everyone around you is getting pregnant and having babies. In reality, the emotional toll of struggling to conceive can be immense, leading to feelings of sadness, frustration, and even guilt. It's important to acknowledge and address the mental health aspects of infertility, as they can have a profound impact on individuals and couples. Seeking support from therapists or support groups specializing in infertility can provide a safe space to navigate these challenges and develop coping strategies.
Mental Health During Pregnancy:
Pregnancy can bring about a lot of physical and emotional changes, and it's completely normal for expectant parents to experience a wide range of emotions. With shifting hormones, concerns about body image, and the big transition to parenthood, stress and anxiety can sometimes feel overwhelming. As a therapist, I encourage you to prioritize your mental well-being during this time. Engaging in self-care, reaching out to loved ones for support, and accessing therapy are all helpful ways to manage stress. It’s important to give yourself the space to navigate these changes with care and compassion.
Postpartum and Mental Health
As mentioned, 1 in 5 individuals will experience a perinatal mood disorder and out of those people 7 out of 10 people will downplay their symptoms and not reach out for support. So it is important to understand what a perinatal mood disorder is, symptoms to look for, and what makes you more at risk.
Perinatal Mood Disorders include postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, and Postpartum psychosis.
Symptoms include:
- Feelings of guilt, shame and/or helplessness
- Anger, rage, and/or scary thoughts
- Lack of interest in the baby or pregnancy
- Loss of interest or joy in the things you used to enjoy
- Sleep and appetite disturbance
- Racing thoughts and constant worry
- Thoughts or harming yourself of the baby
While anyone can develop a perinatal mood disorder there are some factors that can make you more at risk for experiencing these symptoms. However, a risk factor does not necessarily mean that you will experience a perinatal mood disorder.
Some of the risk factors include:
- History of anxiety, depression, or OCD
- History of infertility, pregnancy loss, high-risk pregnancy, or birth trauma
- Lack of postpartum support
- Financial stress or poverty
- Unwanted or unplanned pregnancy
- Domestic violence
What Can You DO?
It is so important for new and prospective parents to seek support when facing perinatal mental health challenges. Therapists who specialize in this area can offer guidance, coping strategies, and a safe space to talk through emotions. Support groups, whether online or in-person, can also be a great way to connect with others going through similar experiences. There are some great organizations and websites focused on perinatal mental health that offer helpful resources and information for individuals and families.
Some of my favourite organizations offering resources and support include:
Perinatal mental health is a crucial aspect of the journey to parenthood. From the challenges of infertility to the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy and the postpartum period, it's important for individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. Seeking support, whether through therapy, support groups, or online resources, can make a significant difference in navigating the perinatal journey with resilience and strength.
Remember, you are not alone, and there is support available to help you through this time.
Looking for one on one support?
I am taking new clients in person in the Comox Valley and virtually across BC. Book your free 15 minute consult or initial appointment today.
Commentaires