Parenthood is a transformative journey, marked by joy, anticipation, and sometimes, unexpected challenges. For many expectant and new parents, the journey is unexpectedly accompanied by– perinatal anxiety. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders affect 1 in 5 women.
What is Perinatal Anxiety?
Perinatal anxiety refers to excessive worry, fear, or unease experienced during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth. While some level of anxiety is normal, persistent and overwhelming anxiety can negatively impact both the parent's mental well-being and the child's development.
Symptoms may include racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, irritability, and physical symptoms such as muscle tension and sleep disturbances.
Treatment Approaches:
Common treatment approaches for perinatal anxiety include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addressing negative thought patterns and building coping strategies.
Support Groups: Providing a space for parents to share experiences and find solace in the shared journey.
Medication: In some cases, medication may be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
One Valuable Tip: Prioritizing Self-Care
In addition to formal therapeutic interventions, there are practical steps individuals can take to alleviate perinatal anxiety.
Self-Care: Carving out time for themselves, engaging in activities they enjoy, and fostering a supportive network can significantly reduce anxiety levels.
In conclusion, perinatal anxiety is a nuanced aspect of the perinatal experience that requires a compassionate and comprehensive therapeutic approach. By understanding the symptoms, employing evidence-based treatments, and emphasizing the significance of self-care, therapists can guide parents towards a more balanced and fulfilling parenting journey.
If you or someone you know is struggling with perinatal anxiety, help and support are out there. If you reside in Colorado or Texas I offer individual and couples counseling to those struggling with perinatal anxiety. I specialize in perinatal mental health helping women and their families from pregnancy, birth, through postpartum. I am a caring, warm, compassionate therapist with a direct, yet gentle approach. If you would like to learn more about me and my work with moms click here
I provide online therapy with the ability to meet you anywhere. No need to find childcare or the extra time needed to get to and from an office.
If you live outside Colorado and Texas you can reach out to Postpartum Support International and they can connect you to a local therapist. They also offer a wide variety of support groups for moms and dads. You can click the link here to learn more: Postpartum Support International
with care,
Alison
About the author
Alison Hartman, LMFT is a licensed therapist in Colorado and Texas. Offering therapy to women and teen girls helping them find relief, hope, and balance in their lives. She has been working with moms, adolescents, and families for the past 11 years helping them to build healthy, resilient families. She specializes in perinatal mental health and teen girl depression and anxiety. Reach out today to learn more.