Depression and Anxiety During Pregnancy
There’s no doubt that being a parent is the hardest job. And when you’re caring for a child with a disability, health concern, or developmental delay, those challenges can multiply. You do so much for your child every single day. It’s not always easy. But don’t forget: You matter, too.
Taking care of your mental health is essential. When you care for yourself, you’re better able to care for your child. You deserve support, encouragement, and rest, just like your little one deserves love and nurturing.
Perinatal mental health centers around your emotional well-being while you’re pregnant and throughout the first year after your baby is born. This period is filled with a lot of physical, emotional, and social shifts. While it’s an exciting and fun time, it’s also normal to feel overwhelmed at points.
As your life changes in all sorts of different ways, many parents experience mental health challenges during this time. Some of the most common perinatal mental health disorders include:
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. Approximately 1 in 5 women struggle with these various disorders during pregnancy or after birth. It’s okay to ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Taking care of your mental health is part of taking care of your child.
“I always think about that when you fly, they say you have to put on your oxygen first. You have to have enough in you to be able to take care of the person next to you. I’ve thought about that a lot, even myself as a parent when I’m struggling with something.”
Kate Easton, Birth-to-Three Trainer at Penfield Children’s Center
If you’re like most parents, time and energy are in short supply. There’s never a “good” time, but it’s important to carve out some time where you can focus on yourself. Even small moments of self-care can go a long way.
Talk To a Loved One
Find a friend, family member, or loved one who can help you navigate the emotional ups and downs of this season. Sharing your feelings with a trusted individual helps you feel less alone and can help provide clarity and perspective.
Connect With Other New Parents
Support groups, prenatal classes, parenting groups, and other community-focused groups for new parents help you meet others at the same stage in life. These groups, even virtually, can be a powerful lifeline when you are struggling.
Prioritize Sleep and Nourishment
While making sure you’re resting and eating healthy foods is easier said than done, it’s so important for both you and the baby. What you put in your body and taking the time to turn off your brain are key to supporting your mental health.
Talk to a Professional
Sometimes, just talking to your loved ones isn’t enough. You need the support of an experienced mental health professional who understands postpartum depression and other concerns surrounding pregnancy. There’s no shame about needing
some extra support.
If you feel like you need additional help managing the stress that comes with being a caregiver, it may be beneficial to seek professional services for yourself where a counselor can help you build an individualized plan to navigate your way through this journey. The easiest way to do this would be reaching out to your primary care provider.
Lorianne Woolverton, Healthcare Equity Specialist at Penfield Children’s Center
If you’re feeling off, overwhelmed, or having a hard time feeling like yourself during pregnancy, that’s totally normal. Our team of perinatal mental health therapists based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have online resources to help you navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy and postpartum.
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