Mental Health for New Mothers
For about 10-15% of women, the months during and after a pregnancy are a time when you are at a much higher risk of developing depression or other mental health disorders. That doesn’t mean there is something wrong with you, but it does mean that you should get help for your own health and safety, and the health and safety of your new baby and your family.
Who is at Risk for Post-Partum Depression?
Mental health struggles can affect anyone, and they do not discriminate based on your socioeconomic status, race, religion, or any other factors. Almost any woman can be affected by post-partum or depression, even if you have never experienced it before or do not have a history of mental health disorders.
It’s important not to feel like you are alone, or you have to deal with it by yourself. There is no shame in asking for help or admitting that you do not feel joy and happiness all the time during or after a pregnancy. The best thing you can do for your own health and the health of your baby and other family members is to seek help from a trained therapist who can help with pregnancy depression and post-partum depression.
How Maternal Mental Health Counseling Can Help
Even in the best of circumstances, pregnancy and childbirth come with a lot of stress. They are a time when your body and hormones are changing, your family is changing, and the dynamics in your other relationships are changing. If you aren’t taking care of yourself and paying attention to your mental health, the stress can lead you to stop taking care of your physical health. This can negatively impact you and your developing baby. Maternal mental health counseling is intended to provide an effective intervention from a trained therapist who will:
- Provide a safe place to discuss your concerns and struggles
- Help you understand why you are feeling a certain way
- Discuss strategies to help you overcome depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders that are common during and after pregnancy
- Help you identify when your mental health struggles are impacting your physical health
Your therapist is also trained to identify the potential signs that may put you at higher risk of thoughts of suicide or behaviors that could lead to self-harm or harming your baby.
Visit Our South Jordan Office
The most important first step is to talk to a trained therapist who can help you identify whether you are experiencing post-partum depression, pregnancy depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues as an expectant or new mother. Call Live Well Counseling today to learn more about our maternal mental health services.