Everyone said I would love this.
“Isn’t this the best time of your life?” “You must be so happy!” Society often tells us what we “should” feel and “should” do when we are pregnant and caring for our babies. In reality, pregnancy and motherhood can be really hard. Research shows that 1 in 7 mothers experience postpartum depression and 1 in 10 mothers experience postpartum anxiety. Often we may feel like we have to put a smile on our face and say we’re great, even if we’re drowning inside.
I just don’t feel like myself.
Women are more at risk for depression and anxiety during their pregnancies and for an entire year after giving birth to their babies. The description used to encompass this is Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). You may feel sad, overwhelmed, disconnected from your baby, irritable, or like nothing seems fun anymore. You may feel hopeless and can’t shake the thought that you are a bad mom. Maybe you feel like you are worrying all the time, cannot sleep even if the baby is sleeping or being cared for by someone you trust, your thoughts are racing, or you have physical symptoms like nausea, chest tightness, or rapid heartbeat. You may feel like you cannot leave the baby or something bad will happen. When it comes down to it, you don’t feel like yourself and wonder if you ever will again. These are symptoms, they are not who you are. They are temporary and treatable. You can love your baby dearly and still feel these things. You can have symptoms and still be a great mom.
Why am I having these thoughts?
What’s wrong with me? What if…?
Sometimes mothers have scary, unwanted thoughts about harm coming to their babies or themselves. They can come seemingly out of nowhere and just won’t leave you alone. You feel horrified and guilty about these thoughts and may not tell anyone for fear of what they will think. You may even feel like you are going crazy, but you’re not! This is a common symptom of anxiety and talking about these thoughts in a supportive place can bring relief.
I lost my baby and I’m devastated.
Losing your baby, whether it is miscarriage, stillbirth, or after he or she is born, is devastating. You are grieving the loss of your sweet baby, as well as the loss of your dreams for them, your family, and future. Loved ones may try to help, but you still feel alone and just so sad. You may not know how or when this pain will end. I can walk alongside you as you grieve, cope, and heal.
You are not alone.
You are not to blame.
With help, you can feel better.
Perinatal mental health symptoms can be intense. You don’t have to suffer in silence. I’ve been there and I want to help you through it too. Contact me and we’ll work toward feeling like yourself again.
You are worth it!
Schedule an appointment or complimentary phone consultation.
Let’s take the first steps together.