Taking Care of Mental Health During Pregnancy
It can be easy for pregnant women to neglect their own psychological health.
Posted July 2, 2019 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan
From prepping the nursery to buying the right car seat, moms-to-be definitely have their plates full in the months before the baby arrives. But one thing that often gets overlooked in the mad dash to motherhood is more important than any outfit or accessory: mental health.
So much attention is focused on the new life coming into the world that it’s easy for pregnant women to forget to check on their own psychological and emotional well-being. But pregnancy is an especially important time to stay on top of these issues, especially because so many unique challenges commonly arise. Everything from mood swings and irritability to tearfulness and anxiety is perfectly normal and natural. There are a million “what ifs” that may crop up, concerns about body changes, fear of giving up control, changes in relationships, worries about work, etc., Thinking and feeling all of these things and more is a typical part of the journey to motherhood, but making sure they don’t develop into chronic depression or anxiety is crucial.
When is it time to seek help?
Experiencing ups and downs during pregnancy is certainly expected, but if certain symptoms persist more than two weeks, it’s time to get help. Here’s what to look out for:
Experiencing any one of these issues means you could use some support around your mental health. And let’s be clear: You don’t have to experience debilitating depression or weather a traumatic experience in order to merit help. Even just feeling a little bit off or unlike your usual self is enough reason to seek help.
What does treatment look like?
Sometimes women are afraid to reach out for help because they don’t want to take medication or see a therapist. While those two strategies can be majorly beneficial in some cases, treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Every person is different, and every treatment strategy may be composed of different elements. Here are some of the common ones:
If you’re having intrusive thoughts of hurting yourself, call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. To locate a mental health professional near you, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.
Kristen Scarlett, LMHC, is Co-Clinic Director at Octave in New York City. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor, with over 20 years of experience working with patients on various issues, including depression, anxiety, insomnia , OCD , and relationship problems.
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Octave is a mental health practice that aims to create a society where people are as proactive and consistent about their emotional well-being as their physical fitness.
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This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.