Breaking the Silence: Navigating Maternal Mental Health Wellbeing
Maternal Mental Health is a topic not talked about enough and often misunderstood, yet it's a reality that countless women face every day. I have the honor of helping women by understanding, supporting, and empowering them as they navigate the complexities of motherhood.
I wanted to take this opportunity during Maternal Mental Health Month to discuss this topic further, educate people, and break the stigma.
First, let me define Maternal Mental Health(MMH): the emotional well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It encompasses a range of mental health symptoms that affect mothers. The range under that MMH umbrella are postpartum depression, anxiety, psychosis, OCD, and PTSD. And Baby Blues, which is commonly used for what a mother is experiencing but tends to minimize it.
Here are some common signs to watch for and an excellent time to seek help:
Persistent Sadness
Excessive Worry
Difficulty Bonding with the Baby
Changes in Sleep or Appetite
Fatigue or Exhaustion
Irritability or Anger
Intrusive Thoughts or Fears
Social Withdrawal
Loss of Interest or Pleasure
Maternal mental health is essential for mothers' and babies' well-being. Untreated issues can affect maternal bonding, infant development, and family dynamics, but seeking help from a healthcare provider specializing in perinatal mental health to get support can help.
As a therapist, my foremost goal when working with my clients who are mothers is to create a safe and supportive space where they feel understood and validated. I want them to know that they are not alone. Throughout our therapy journey, I help them navigate their thoughts and emotions, teaching techniques to manage intrusive thoughts and regulate their emotions. Grounding exercises and other behavioral strategies become tools they can use daily to cope with challenges. I aim to destigmatize the use of medication for mental health issues, especially during the perinatal and postpartum periods. Drawing from my own experience as a mother who used medication during pregnancy and beyond, I emphasize the importance of informed decision-making. I am very grateful to my healthcare providers, who approach these decisions with empathy and understanding. Thank You!
I hope we can continue to advocate for breaking the stigma surrounding maternal mental health, encouraging open conversations and acceptance of mental health challenges as a normal part of the motherhood journey with less guilt and shame!
Resources:
Call or text Postpartum Support International Helpline at 800-944-4773
Download the Connect App by PSI
Call or Text 988
Call or text the Maternal Mental Health Alliance Hotline 833-852-6262
Caitlin Hart LCPC NCC