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What Is Perinatal Mental Health?
Are you soon expecting a child? While it's no doubt that this is a joyful time in your life, unfortunately, pregnancy isn't always as smooth-sailing as the movies may present. In fact, it can be challenging from start to finish - even with the exciting prospect of motherhood on the horizon. And if you're one of the many soon-to-be-mothers struggling too, it may be down to issues with your perinatal mental health, a common occurrence for expectant mothers.But what is perinatal mental health? And how can you tackle it to focus on the positives of your pregnancy? Today, I will be giving you a closer insight into what perinatal mental health is and how my therapy sessions could be the answer to a happier and healthier mindset.
What is perinatal mental health?
First things first, it's so important to remember that there will be many other women out there struggling with the same thought processes as you; you're never alone. So, let's put perinatal mental health into perspective. Did you know that perinatal mental health problems can occur during pregnancy or in the first year following the birth of a child? Currently, it affects up to 27% of expectant mums.
Common perinatal mental health problems.
You may be surprised to know that a number of perinatal mental health issues can occur during pregnancy. It's just about understanding your symptoms. Here are the most common:
Each of these types will convey a variety of side effects that'll help you (and your doctor/therapist) identify and combat the issue at hand. For instance, with perinatal depression, you may experience feelings of being down, upset, tearful, restless, agitated, irritable, guilty, worthless or feel that you lack self-esteem. You may also perceive your partner or baby differently as a result. But, as previously mentioned, it's important to remember that these symptoms are common among other expecting mothers as this is an unfamiliar time combined with an extreme hormonal release. However, if these issues aren't addressed, you could experience long-lasting mental health effects, which could impact the parent-baby relationship.Before this becomes the case, it is recommended that you seek support and guidance from a professional, whether that be a therapist or your GP. When opting for a specialist counsellor, you will be met with an expert with knowledge and experience in guiding and supporting those in similar situations. They'll have effective processes for shedding light on the positives of pregnancy, where lack of confidence stems from and teaching you coping techniques for when you're feeling low.
How can perinatal counselling support mothers?
After reading endless articles on the subject while trying to identify ways to combat these thoughts and emotions, you may have found yourself feeling even more deflated and overwhelmed. If so, now could be a good time to seek a counsellor's help. I have had the pleasure of working with many expectant mums through my perinatal therapy. I aim to listen, interpret and advise on mental health during pregnancy, focusing on the fact that all emotions are valid during such a unique and challenging time. Below is a closer insight into what to expect and what you can gain from my perinatal counselling sessions.
Normalising the uncertainties you are experiencing.
Counsellors, such as myself, offer insight into why your mental health problem is causing specific side effects during your pregnancy or the postnatal period, as well as teaching coping and managing techniques that can alleviate these feelings and emotions. For example, perinatal anxiety is one of the most common occurrences in expecting mums. Its symptoms include a churning feeling in your stomach, light-headedness, and pins and needles.During your therapy sessions, your therapist will help you understand how and why this is happening. They will do this while focusing on your emotional state and expectations of parenthood, giving you the much-needed support and confidence boost. Your therapist is there to present effective advice and guidance that is bespoke to your situation, normalising it for you throughout.
Helping you develop confidence in being a mother.
Unfortunately, one of the most common thought processes that come hand in hand with perinatal mental health issues is the lack of confidence about entering parenthood. While these thoughts are conjured up in your mind, they can overtake the excitement of becoming a mum. However, if you decide that perinatal therapy is for you, your therapist can work closely with you to diminish these self-doubts. Through various confidence-building techniques, such as focusing on your life's biggest accomplishments and establishing your strengths, you will be encouraged to develop and improve your self-esteem. Furthermore, your therapist will give you various tasks to carry out in your own time to continue building on this. It's important to note that taking care of your mental health during pregnancy not only benefits you but it impacts your baby's first stages of life, too, especially as you're so closely connected to your child. So it's never a shameful thing to seek support. In fact, it shows strength and courage, which is what any great mum will possess.
Seek my advice & support today.
Perinatal mental health problems happen anytime from becoming pregnant up to one year after giving birth. So, if you’re struggling with your mental health during pregnancy, now is the time to take care of your mindset before it has even more of an impact. As a person-centred counsellor based in Warrington, Cheshire, I have a wealth of experience in helping all my clients improve their mental health ad live more fulfilling lives. So, if you want to learn more about how I work - or book a session - please visit my website, and let's work together to help you feel empowered and confident about the next chapter of your life.
