Perinatal Support
Perinatal Mental Health Support
Perinatal mental health support refers to the treatment of mental health issues that occur during pregnancy and up to two years after giving birth. These issues include depression, anxiety, and anxiety-related disorders like posttraumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and postpartum psychosis. Perinatal mental health support can also include general support for emotional difficulties during pregnancy, feeling the “baby blues” (feelings of sadness that occur during but not beyond the first two weeks after giving birth), and the challenges that come with the adjustment to parenting.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Perinatal depression affects at least 1 in 7 women during pregnancy and postpartum, and approximately 13–21% of women are affected by anxiety during pregnancy or the postpartum period.
Symptoms of perinatal depression can range from mild to severe, and can include:
- Feelings of anger or irritability
- Lack of interest in the baby
- Appetite and sleep disturbances
- Crying and sadness
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
- Loss of interest, joy, or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself
Symptoms of perinatal anxiety can range from mild to severe, and include:
- Constant worry
- Feeling that something bad is about to happen
- Racing thoughts
- Sleep and appetite disturbances
- Inability to sit still
- Physical symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and hot flashes
If you are experiencing these difficulties during pregnancy or after giving birth, it is important to remember that you are not alone, you are not to blame, and with help you can get well.
How to Get Support
There are a few ways to get support if you are struggling with these difficulties. At G3, we offer:
- Individual therapy: one-on-one counseling that follows a treatment plan with a therapist trained in perinatal mental health
- Support Groups: peer-to-peer support in a group setting facilitated by a therapist trained in perinatal mental health
Our therapists with training in perinatal mood support are Dr. Julia Kubek, Dr. Julie Galvin, Dr. Liz Snyder and Heidi Stevens.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Free Perinatal Mental Health Support Group
Groups provide opportunities to connect with other parents, talk about your experience, and learn about helpful tools and resources. This group is designed to provide support to those experiencing stress in pregnancy, feeling overwhelmed with the adjustment to parenting, having baby blues during early postpartum, or experiencing postpartum mood depression/anxiety. Various topics will be discussed.
Thursdays at 1 PM on ZOOM
Please contact us to register: info@galvingrowthgroup.com
This group is led by Dr. Julia Kubek. As a certified Perinatal Mental Health therapist (PMH-C) she also specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), birth trauma, and issues in the adjustment to parenting.
Other ways to receive help include:
- Postpartum Support International Helpline at 800-944-4773 (call or text)
- National Maternal Health Hotline at 833-852-6262 (call or text)
- For crisis situations, call or text the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
- If you suspect postpartum psychosis, this is a medical emergency and you should proceed to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1.
