Perinatal Mental Health

Pregnancy

Pregnancy… What an interesting time in our life! I'll never forget when I saw the word “positive” on my pregnancy test. I'll also never forget the anxiety I felt about all of the unknowns. Will this pregnancy last? Is the baby OK? I hope I don't have Covid (yes, my baby was a Covid-era baby!).

So many questions, and so many uncertainties while trying to manage unrelenting morning sickness and my roles as a counselor, mother, and wife. What helped me the most was to speak with a therapist who was certified in Perinatal Mental Health. I didn't fully realize this at the time, but I was dealing with severe anxiety throughout and after my pregnancy. Having someone who understood anxiety through the lens of pre- and post-partum mental health was essential to learning how to ground myself while balancing my varying roles in life as a mother, wife, and counselor.

What is perinatal mental health?

The Perinatal period refers to the period before and after delivery up to one year. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, also known as PMADS, can affect people from all walks of life. A number of mental health concerns associated with pregnancy . Prior mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, etc. can inform a mother or birthing person’s pregnancy and postpartum mental health. In fact, those who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder before getting pregnant are likely to experience conditions like perinatal anxiety, perinatal depression, perinatal OCD, and psychosis.

How can I prevent or deal with my mental health concerns during pregnancy?

Having a certified Perinatal Mental Health Counseling practitioner to speak with can change the way you navigate the melange of symptoms related to pregnancy, traumatic pregnancy and birth experiences, and postpartum issues. When looking for a Perinatal Mental Health Counselor you can look for practitioners who are included in the Postpartum Support International directory.

Hey Nadiya, do you provide perinatal mental health support?

Yes, I do! Thank you for asking 😊. Whether this is your first pregnancy or you've had multiple pregnancies, it would be an honor to support you in helping process your joys, fears, and experiences related to pregnancy and pregnancy loss, the birthing experience, and postpartum experiences. Please feel free to reach me at nadiya@likewisetherapy.com or 386-848-7018. Available for in-person services in Longwood, Florida, or via Telehealth in Florida.