However much joy may come from pregnancy, it also causes unwanted symptoms for many. If the pregnancy has complications or wasn't planned, this time might be especially tough for you. And of course, once the baby comes, your life changes in a number of ways. While you’re under increased stress, perinatal mood disorders can arise from hormonal changes. At Ferris & Associates Counseling and Support Services in Fishers, serving Indiana residents in-person and online, our licensed therapists can work with you to make this a happier time.
Challenges Surrounding Pregnancy
Between the changes to your life and what's happening with your hormones, conditions are ripe for mental health issues to arise. Even if you're excited about adding a new member to your family, you could still be battling with these issues.
On the other hand, you could feel extremely nervous about being a good parent to your little one, and it's interfering with your ability to enjoy the time and be as present a parent as you desire to be.
Examples of Perinatal Mood Disorders
An example of a perinatal mood disorder that a therapist at our practice can help with is perinatal depression, a form of depression that usually occurs between four and eight weeks after you give birth. You could also suffer from depression while you're still pregnant, known as prenatal depression. Signs you have depression include:
- Feeling extremely sad, hopeless, or worthless
- Feeling empty, frustrated, or guilty
- Having trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Struggling to bond with your baby or get excited about your pregnancy
- Experiencing fatigue
Other examples of perinatal mood disorders include the following:
- Prenatal or postpartum anxiety
- Postpartum bipolar disorder
- Postpartum psychosis
- Prenatal or postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder
- Prenatal post-traumatic stress disorder
How We Can Help
Whether you have a diagnosable perinatal mood disorder or are just struggling emotionally during your pregnancy, a counselor from our Fishers, IN, practice has the necessary training to help you overcome it.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one option that can help you cope with difficult feelings and become more confident about your parenting skills. You'll learn to challenge the negative assumptions that are hindering you during or after pregnancy.
You may also learn techniques to help you calm yourself, establish boundaries, and engage in self-care to help manage stress and depression.
Start Counseling for Perinatal Mood Disorders
At Ferris & Associates Counseling and Support Services in Fishers, IN, we help women with perinatal mood disorders through counseling in-person and online.
Contact us at 317-585-9111 today for an appointment.