Perinatal Mental Health

Written By Guest User

Let’s Talk About Perinatal Mental Health—Because You Deserve to Feel Like You Again

When you’re expecting a baby—or navigating the first year after birth—there’s a lot of talk about physical health. Prenatal vitamins, birth plans, feeding schedules, sleep routines. But what often gets overlooked is your emotional health. For so many new parents, that’s the part that feels the hardest. You can love your baby more than anything in the world and still feel anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or completely unlike yourself. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. In fact, up to 20% of women experience significant mental health issues during the perinatal period, yet many go untreated or unnoticed (ACOG, 2023).

That’s what Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Month is all about. Every May, we pause to acknowledge something that should be talked about year-round: the emotional and mental health struggles that often come with pregnancy, postpartum, and all the life changes in between. “Perinatal” refers to the period from conception through the first year after birth. During this time, up to 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 partners will experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD) (Postpartum Support International). These aren’t just the “baby blues.” We’re talking about conditions like:

  • Postpartum depression

  • Perinatal anxiety and panic attacks

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with intrusive thoughts

  • Birth trauma or PTSD

  • Postpartum psychosis (rare, but serious and urgent)

These issues often show up in ways that are confusing, scary, and hard to put into words—especially when the world expects you to feel nothing but joy. In fact, research has shown that unrealistic cultural expectations about motherhood contribute to feelings of shame and guilt in new parents experiencing PMADs (Mental Health America, 2022).

Perinatal mental health struggles can look very different from person to person. For some, it’s not being able to sleep even when the baby is sound asleep. For others, it’s a heavy sense of dread or guilt for not feeling bonded with their baby. You might feel like crying all the time—or not at all. You might have racing thoughts you’re too afraid to say out loud. Or maybe you’re just emotionally numb and disconnected. You might even feel resentful, angry, or mournful for the life you had before. None of this means you’re a bad parent. It means you’re human—and probably in need of more support than you're getting.

Here are some common signs that you may be struggling with a perinatal mental health condition (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020):

  • Constant feelings of overwhelm, sadness, or numbness

  • Sleep troubles that aren’t just about the baby’s schedule

  • Persistent worries or racing thoughts that won’t shut off

  • Difficulty bonding with your baby

  • Feeling like you’re “faking it” all day, every day

  • Guilt or shame about your thoughts or emotions

  • Pulling away from your partner, friends, or family

  • Thoughts of harming yourself

  • Thoughts of harming your baby

The good news is, help is available, and therapy can make a real difference. At TheraListen, we work with parents at every stage of the perinatal journey—from the first positive pregnancy test to the foggy, sleep-deprived postpartum months and beyond. Our licensed therapists specialize in perinatal care and truly understand the nuances of this season of life. We provide a safe, supportive space to talk about what you’re going through and offer practical, evidence-based strategies to help you cope. Therapy can help you:

  • Reconnect with yourself and your identity outside of parenthood

  • Build tools to manage anxiety, overwhelm, and intrusive thoughts

  • Heal from a difficult or traumatic birth experience

  • Navigate changing dynamics with your partner or support system

  • Feel seen, supported, and less alone in this transition

What makes TheraListen different is our focus on what you’re really going through—physically, mentally, and emotionally. We know that finding time for yourself can feel impossible when you're caring for a new baby, juggling appointments, or running on little sleep. That’s why our virtual therapy is built for flexibility and ease. Whether you're talking to your therapist with a baby on your lap, between feedings, or from the quiet of your parked car, we meet you where you are—physically and emotionally. No need to “have it all together” before you reach out. Just come as you are.

Therapy That Fits Your Life—and Your Budget
Having a baby is overwhelming enough. Getting support shouldn’t add to the stress.

✔️ Covered by insurance—care that may cost little to nothing
✔️ Virtual therapy you can do from home
✔️ Therapists who specialize in perinatal care
✔️ Flexible scheduling

Feel better without the financial burden. We’re here when you need us.

📅 Ready to talk to someone who truly listens? Book a session.
👩‍⚕️ Not sure yet? Browse our therapists and see who feels like the right fit for you.

And if you’re not quite ready to schedule a session, that’s okay too. Here are a few trusted resources you can turn to right now:

You don’t have to go through this alone.Let’s talk about what healing looks like—and how we can help you get there.

Guest User
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