Maternal Mental Health
Entering parenthood or expecting a newborn can bring on a range of emotions. It is challenging at times to manage the new life change, and any fear or anxiety that may arise. Some of our clinicians are specialized in maternal mental health and are able to help.
Prenatal Issues
Pregnancy can be a joyful time but also a time of increasing change. Managing worries about the unexpected future and changes to one’s body can be overwhelming at times. Often times these thoughts are hard to talk about and explore because it can bring on feelings of worry or shame. We have clinicians trained to help support through this life transition.
Prenatal Depression
Prenatal depression, also known as antenatal depression, is a form of depression that occurs during pregnancy. It's characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and anxiety that can significantly impact a woman's emotional well-being during this critical time. Prenatal depression symptoms may include:
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of interest in activities
- Irritability
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Prenatal Stress & Anxiety
Prenatal anxiety and stress are significant concerns for expectant mothers, as they can have profound effects on both maternal and fetal health. Prenatal anxiety refers to feelings of worry, fear, or apprehension experienced during pregnancy. In contrast, prenatal stress encompasses the physical and emotional strain from various sources, such as work, relationships, or financial worries. Hormonal changes, physical discomfort, and the anticipation of childbirth and parenting can exacerbate these feelings. Prenatal anxiety and stress have been linked to adverse outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues in infants. Pregnant individuals must prioritize self-care, seek support from healthcare providers, and practice relaxation techniques to manage anxiety and stress effectively for the well-being of both themselves and their unborn child.
Postpartum depression, stress and anxiety
The birth of a baby can bring on many different feelings. Most new moms experience postpartum "baby blues" after childbirth, which commonly include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Some moms experience longer lasting symptoms, which could indicate postpartum depression, stress or anxiety. If you find symptoms lasting longer that the normal “baby blues” period, please give us a call and one of our therapists will be able to guide you.
The symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety include, but are not limited to
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling irritable or anxious, or feelings of panic
- Feeling sad or down often
- Frequent crying
- Less energy and motivation to do things
- Loss of appetite
- Not feeling attached to your baby
- Obsessive thoughts or worry
- Showing little interest in your baby
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
At Evolve, we provide maternal mental health treatment and utilize a variety of treatment methods. We tailor the approach to the individual. We also work with clients to assess for other common mental health conditions commonly occurring with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use and ADHD. If you are unsure if you or a loved one is struggling with an anxiety disorder, please give us a call and one of our therapists will help guide you.
If you are looking for counseling for Postpartum depression, stress and anxiety or have any questions about our counseling services, call us at (484) 329-7638 or request a phone consultation today.
