Pregnancy, Perinatal Mood Disorders,
and New Parents
While having a baby can be such a joyful experience in many ways, it is not without difficulty for many parents. According to Postpartum Support International*, many parents experience mood changes during or after birth, and 15-20% of parents may experience more significant mood changes, such as heightened depression and anxiety. These types of symptoms may arise anywhere from 2-3 weeks post-birthing experience all the way up to 12 months after birth. These symptoms are much more than the baby blues that people talk about, and they can be very scary. Perinatal mood disorders can be found in parents of all cultures, ages, income levels, and races, and they do not just happen to the parent who has gone through pregnancy, but can also affect other members within the family.
Symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders may present before birth as well. These symptoms may arise due to previously experiencing infertility, miscarriage, or pregnancy loss.
Our trained therapists can provide support and care through multiple therapeutic techniques such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, IFS, and more. Individuals no longer have to suffer in silence around the transition to parenthood. Our goal is to help individuals through this life transition and ensure a safe place for exploration around these thoughts and feelings that may arise. In this new journey into parenthood, our Texas-based counselors are here to help. You don’t have to do this alone!
Symptoms of perinatal mood disorders:*
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Feelings of being sad or depressed
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Feeling more irritable and angrier with those around you
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Having difficulty bonding with baby
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Feeling anxious or panicky
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Struggling with eating or sleeping
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Having upsetting thoughts that you can’t get out of your mind
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Feeling like you shouldn’t have become a parent
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Worried that you might hurt baby or yourself
Therapists Who Specialize in Supporting Clients Before, During, and After Pregnancy in Austin, TX
