For many women pregnancy is an exciting and nerve-wracking time of life; it can also be a source of anxiety and even depression , especially when concerns are fueled by hormones or by societal expectations. In addition to physical symptoms of early pregnancy such as a missed period, sensitivity to smells and certain foods, and fatigue, women may experience mood swings and the onset of depression. Expectant mothers, in general, should take steps to protect and enhance their emotional well-being a
When Pregnancy Becomes Part of Your Identity
Living with pregnancy over time can lead to a fusion of identity and diagnosis. You may find yourself thinking "I am pregnancy" rather than "I have pregnancy." This identity fusion has significant consequences:
- Reduces motivation (why try if this is just who I am?)
- Increases shame and stigma internalization
- Makes recovery feel like losing part of yourself
- Limits how others see you (and how you see yourself)
Reclaiming a Multidimensional Identity
Your identity is vastly larger than pregnancy. A powerful exercise: complete this sentence 20 times with anything other than your struggles:
"I am someone who ___________"
Values, roles, relationships, interests, history, capabilities — all form your identity.
Pregnancy as One Chapter, Not the Whole Story
Narrative therapy offers a powerful reframe: pregnancy is one story in a much larger life narrative. You are the author, not the character defined by struggle.
Externalizing the problem: Practice talking about "Pregnancy that visits me" rather than "my Pregnancy." This linguistic shift creates psychological distance and agency.
Building Identity Beyond Pregnancy
- Invest in relationships that see your full self, not just your struggles
- Pursue interests unrelated to mental health — art, sport, learning, creativity
- Find meaning — purpose larger than symptom management provides identity anchor
- Contribute to others — giving to others builds positive identity components
- Celebrate growth — document how you've changed, overcome, adapted
The Strengths That Pregnancy Builds
Many people find that navigating pregnancy develops genuine strengths: deep empathy, resilience, self-awareness, creativity, and a hard-won wisdom about what matters in life.