Are you planning on seeking mental health counciling during pregnancy?

Re: Are you planning on seeking mental health counciling during pregnancy?

• bunniecee member

  April 2022

  I have struggled with anxiety and depression for most of my adult life. I have symptoms of chronic illness induced ptsd due to an autoimmune disorder which is currently in remission, but am just beginning to consider seeking treatment at this point. I’ve not had a good run with mental health professionals over the last 10 years for a bunch of reasons, including feeling unheard and over medicated. I worry about delving into these issues now, while my emotions are so much like a roller coaster. If I had been in treatment before becoming pregnant, it would be a little different I think but I’m still on the fence for now, trying to manage as best I can without cannabis, which had been really helpful to me. 

  Report2 Reply
• Loading the player...
• mitchip member

  April 2022

  I have been seeing a councelor regularly for a while now and on and off since I was a teen for anxiety and depression as well as other reasons.
  I truly believe everyone should have a therapist for various moments in life for guidance, reassurance and just a leaning post.
  Finding the right councelor/therapist is always the most tedious part though.
  It’s worth once you find one that you click with though imo.

  Report1 Reply
• sydneyrose18 member

  April 2022

  Hi there! I'm a therapist who sees a therapist and love that this topic came up. Sending love to those who have had trouble finding the right fit when it comes to therapists or counselors. Having someone you trust and want to work with is the #1 most important thing (this is backed by science) and it can take a ridiculous amount of time, energy, and resources to find someone that is right for you. I am biased and I of course will put the plug in for folks getting support if they are able (though let's be honest, being able to afford therapy is a privilege we don't all have). Mental health symptoms cause our bodies so much stress, so even if it feels hard to deal with them, now can be a good time so that we move through the stress instead of getting stuck in it. Please reach out if you need help figuring out what type of therapist would be a good fit for ya and wishing everyone some peace of mind!

  Report6 Reply
• carryon member

  April 2022

  I have a therapist that I see monthly and will continue to do so.  Taking care of my mental and emotional health is as important, and sometimes more so, than my physical health.  I sought therapy about a decade ago...I wanted help to pull my ex out of addiction (very foolish thought to me now!).  I have been incredibly grateful for the support that I received, and I know I am a much happier and healthier person now than I was when I started.  I also believe that I am much better prepared to become a parent as a result...which also means knowing I will be a very different parent now than I would have been at a younger age or before seeking help. 
  
  I agree with the others that believe mental health treatment can benefit anyone, and I've certainly encouraged others on the fence about it to go for it.  

  Report0 Reply
• lulam13 member

  April 2022

  Hello! I’ve been working with my own mental health diagnoses for almost 15 years. I worked with someone during my first pregnancy and it really helped. I highly recommend if you have someone you trust to do so and continue doing it. I say this because postpartum can be a real beast. I know we are all caught up in being pregnant right now, but I severely underestimated the toll postpartum life would have on me and my family. I am very grateful I already had someone lined up that I trusted to get me through that time. So just consider if you’d like to deal with sorting all those logistics out now or potentially when you are healing from birth, sleep deprived, and trying to keep a newborn alive!

  Report0 Reply
• beanspud1990 member

  April 2022

  Hey! I have bipolar and here in the UK you can access a perinatal mental health team on the nhs before you get pregnant to discuss how they can support you and you then see them throughout your pregnancy. I've felt really worried about post partum and just crazy hormones as I'm so sensitive. Sleep is a big trigger for me too so that's a worry. I've definitely noticed a rise in anxiety in the past couple of weeks so am requesting my referral back to the team now I'm actually pregnant. Does feel like another aspect of pregnancy to contend with but I feel better knowing I have more wraparound support if I need it! 

  Report0 Reply
• hopeful_doc member

  April 2022

  Hi all! I’m a psychologist who also sees my own therapist- it’s been incredibly helpful throughout this process. In addition, I’m thankful that part of my IVF treatment included a required session with a fertility psychologist. It was normalizing and informative. If you’re looking for a provider, in my opinion, one of the best national resources is https://psychologytoday.com (I am not a paid sponsor You can filter by location, Insurance, specialization, race, gender, etc. I hope this is helpful! 

  Report0 Reply
• santababy2022 member

  April 2022

  So grateful to hear mental health being spoken about so openly!
  I started therapy in December at my lowest point during our IVF journey and it’s helped me tremendously. I continue to see my therapist (virtually) weekly and she has been great at reminding me to give myself grace, to celebrate small milestones and to take care of myself.

  Report0 Reply
• talldecafcappuccino member

  April 2022

  I started seeing a therapist a few years ago when my partner and I started getting serious. I always managed to cope well enough on my own but I had stuff to deal with and wanted to be in a healthier place before sharing my life with someone. I later started to doing EMDR to work through a bunch of childhood trauma. I didn't realize how much of that stuff was wrapped up in my fears about motherhood. Wooie there's a ton to unpack there 😂 
  
  If you don't like your first or current therapist, it's totally okay to see someone else. Take advantage of phone consults. And there's different types of therapy out there besides just talking though I think it's a great place to start.  I am really glad to see this thread. 

  Report1 Reply