Supporting Your Mental Health During the Perinatal Journey
Becoming pregnant, preparing for birth, and welcoming a new baby into the world are often described as beautiful and joyous milestones. And while that can be true, the perinatal period—which includes pregnancy and the first year after birth—can also bring unexpected challenges.
Many new or expecting parents experience anxiety, mood shifts, or even depression during this time, yet often feel pressure to “just be happy.”
It’s okay to feel sad or afraid during this time. And what’s most important is to know that you are not alone, and your feelings are valid.
Perinatal mental health challenges are common, and caring for your emotional well-being is just as important as caring for your physical health.
Why Perinatal Mental Health Matters
During pregnancy and postpartum, your body and mind undergo profound changes. Shifts in hormones, sleep patterns, identity, and responsibilities can leave you feeling:
Overwhelmed by worry or fear
Exhausted and disconnected from yourself or others
Guilty for not feeling “happy enough”
Lonely, even when surrounded by people
Unsure how to manage the demands of parenting
Left untreated, these feelings can deepen—but with support, healing is possible.
Ways to Access Care During This Time
Taking the first step toward support can feel daunting, but there are multiple options available to you:
Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions give you a safe space to share your feelings, learn coping strategies, and receive compassionate support.
Group Support: Many communities and providers offer support groups where parents connect with others who truly understand their experiences.
Medical Care: Speaking with your OB-GYN, midwife, or primary care doctor can open doors to resources and help rule out medical factors that may contribute to mood shifts.
Support Networks: Involving trusted family or friends can lighten the load and reduce feelings of isolation.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy during the perinatal period is not about “fixing” you—it’s about supporting you through a time of transition. Together, we can work on:
Normalizing and understanding your feelings
Reducing anxiety and building healthy coping tools
Processing changes in identity and relationships
Strengthening communication and boundaries
Reconnecting with yourself and your sense of purpose as you step into (or expand) parenthood
Therapy provides a space where your story, your needs, and your healing are centered.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If you are pregnant, postpartum, or somewhere in between and find yourself struggling, please know help is available. I would be honored to walk alongside you on this journey.
Book an appointment today to begin your pathway to inner healing.
Disclaimer
The content in this post is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, diagnosis, or medical advice. Reading this post or using this website does not establish a therapist–client relationship. If you are seeking therapy, please reach out directly to schedule an appointment.
In Case of Crisis
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or feel unsafe, please do not wait for an appointment. Call 988 in the U.S. to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
If you are outside the U.S., please dial your local emergency number or look up crisis hotlines available in your country.
