Perinatal Mood Disorders

Perinatal Anxiety:

Overview: Perinatal anxiety can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth and often manifests as constant worry, restlessness, and difficulty relaxing. It may include intrusive thoughts or fears about the baby's health, and the individual’s ability to parent effectively.

​

Treatment: Through evidence-based therapy, I work with clients to develop coping strategies and techniques to reduce anxiety, such as relaxation exercises and cognitive-behavioral approaches.

 

Perinatal Panic:

Overview: Panic disorder during the perinatal or postpartum period involves sudden and intense feelings of fear, often accompanied by physical symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. These panic attacks can feel overwhelming and may occur without warning. 

​

Treatment: I provide therapeutic techniques to manage panic attacks, including grounding exercises and gradual exposure to feared situations, to help clients regain control and feel more confident in managing their emotions.

 

Perinatal Depression:

Overview: Postpartum depression is a common mood disorder that affects many individuals after childbirth. Symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and difficulty bonding with the baby.

 

Treatment: I offer supportive counseling and treatment strategies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, to help manage depressive symptoms and promote a healthy emotional recovery.

 

Perinatal Psychosis:

Overview: Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious mental health condition that typically emerges within the first two weeks after childbirth. It involves severe mood swings, delusions, hallucinations, and a disconnect from reality, which requires immediate medical attention.

 

Treatment: While treatment often involves a combination of medication and therapy, I am trained to provide emotional support and help clients and their families navigate this challenging condition with the proper resources and professional care.

​

Other Perinatal Mood Disorders:

Overview: There are several other mood disorders that can arise during the perinatal and postpartum periods, such as perinatal bipolar disorder or generalized emotional instability. These conditions may manifest through extreme mood swings, irritability, or emotional volatility.

 

Treatment: I work with clients to understand their emotional fluctuations and develop strategies for managing symptoms and stabilizing mood through therapeutic techniques and, when necessary, medical collaboration.---I am committed to providing compassionate care for individuals facing these challenges, offering both validation and practical strategies to support emotional well-being during a critical time.