The common narrative around pregnancy is that women glow. It is supposed to be a happy and enjoyable time. However, what if you do not feel like this? Pregnancy is a time of raging hormones and significant transitions; therefore it is no wonder that some women find themselves needing a bit of additional support. Struggling emotionally during pregnancy for any reason is common, and it is normal to have up and downs. However, despite this, it can be challenging to talk to those around you about how you are feeling. Many women talk about feeling guilty or ashamed of their emotions. A woman’s physical health is monitored carefully and consistently throughout pregnancy to ensure optimal outcomes for both mother and baby; psychological wellbeing should be no different.
The reasons a woman may find a psychologist helpful during pregnancy are vast and varied. Perinatal and Depression Australia (PANDA) estimates that up to 1 in 10 women will experience depression during pregnancy. Depression is one of many reasons a woman may need to see a psychologist during pregnancy others include anxiety, relationship difficulties, problems adjusting to motherhood, and to learn parenting skills. Many different things can trigger problems with low mood and anxiety during pregnancy. For example, worries about coping with a baby, worries about managing multiple children, concerns about being a single parent, financial matters, feelings about the changing body, fear of birth, and career concerns can all contribute to depression and anxiety in pregnancy. Some women may find that previous experiences during pregnancy or birth trigger anxieties that are difficult to manage without help. Some may have concerns about the effects having a child will place on their relationship or career. Sometimes one’s own experiences of childhood may lead to questions about their ability to be a good parent. Talking to a psychologist can help you understand where your feelings stem from, help you process them, identify ways of coping with these feelings, and provide you skills to help you manage them.
In some situations, a pregnancy may be unplanned, and a woman may struggle to make sense of her thoughts and feelings. Some women may require the support of a professional to help them decide how to proceed with a pregnancy. Talking with a PsychHelp Psychologist can help make sense of how you feel and consider what questions and information you might need to make informed decisions regarding your pregnancy.
If you find yourself struggling with any of the above, seeing a PsychHelp Psychologist can offer a judgement-free compassionate space to process your emotions. In particular Dr Lisa Gusciora has trained to provide counselling regarding a wide range of pregnancy related mental health difficulties. Depression and anxiety can vary significantly in intensity and severity during pregnancy, and it is essential to seek support early to ensure you have the best opportunity of overcoming any mental health concerns you are facing. If you would like to get a better understanding of your psychological health during pregnancy, please complete the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. This scale can provide us with an indication of your symptoms. Research indicates that accessing mental health support earlier is linked to improved outcomes. PsychHelp Psychologists use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy which is useful in treating perinatal mood disorders. One study found that CBT led to a reduction in depressive symptoms as well as an improvement in the mother’s capacity to respond to her infant’s distress. It is difficult to know how anyone will manage the transition to becoming a parent for the first time, or second or third time for that matter. However, having the support of a psychologist during pregnancy can assist you in understanding what is going on for you, help you to develop coping strategies and help you devise a plan to support your mental health following your pregnancy.
Seeing a PsychHelp Psychologist via telehealth using a video-based format assists you to get the support you
need without having to travel to an appointment or organise childcare, meaning we can support you in the comfort of your own home. If you think you would benefit from seeing a PsychHelp Psychologist, then please contact one of our PsychHelp Psychologists today to arrange an appointment.
