Therapy for Perinatal Anxiety and Mood Disorders: You’re Not Alone

Therapy for Perinatal Anxiety and Mood Disorders: You’re Not Alone

You're not alone. Learn how therapy can support perinatal mental health with hope, compassion, and real tools for healing.

You’re Not Broken—You’re Human

If you're struggling with overwhelming emotions during pregnancy or after childbirth, you're not alone—and you're not failing. Many new and expecting parents experience perinatal anxiety and mood disorders (often called PMADs), yet they often suffer in silence due to stigma or confusion. You might be feeling guilty, exhausted, or disconnected—and wondering, Is this normal?

We’re here to say: these feelings are more common than you think, and they don’t define your worth or ability to be a good parent. At WPA, we believe in creating a safe, supportive space to talk openly about mental health, especially during such a profound life transition. Therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and rediscovering your strength.

What Are Perinatal Anxiety and Mood Disorders?

Perinatal anxiety and mood disorders (PMADs) are emotional and psychological challenges that can occur during pregnancy and up to a year after childbirth. They include conditions like:

• Postpartum depression (PPD)

• Perinatal anxiety

• Postpartum OCD

• Birth-related PTSD

• Postpartum psychosis (rare but serious)

These aren't just "baby blues"—which affect many birthing people in the first two weeks postpartum and typically resolve on their own. PMADs are more intense, longer-lasting, and may interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or bonding with your baby.

Real-life example: You might find yourself lying awake at night despite exhaustion, obsessively checking if your baby is breathing, or feeling waves of guilt because you're not enjoying motherhood the way you expected. Or perhaps you feel deeply sad, angry, or numb and can’t explain why. These are valid signs that support is needed—not that you’re weak or doing anything wrong.

Why Is This So Hard? Understanding the Struggles

There are many reasons why perinatal mental health struggles go unrecognized or untreated. Understanding these barriers can be the first step toward healing:

1. Stigma and Silence

Mental health stigma still prevents many parents from seeking help. Messages like "enjoy every moment" or "a good mom sacrifices everything" can leave little room for honesty or self-compassion. Fathers and partners often feel overlooked in these conversations, even though they, too, can experience PMADs.

2. Therapy Myths

Many people fear that admitting they’re struggling will lead to judgment, loss of custody, or being seen as unfit. Some believe therapy means talking about childhood forever or that it won’t help. These myths prevent people from accessing lifesaving support.

3. Access and Isolation

New parents are often sleep-deprived, isolated, and adjusting to a new identity. Time, money, or lack of childcare can make therapy feel impossible to prioritize. This isolation can deepen symptoms and delay recovery.

4. Cultural and Systemic Barriers

Cultural expectations around strength, silence, or perfectionism—especially for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ parents—can make it harder to ask for help. Systemic gaps in care, including racial disparities in maternal health, also contribute to suffering.

The impact of untreated PMADs can ripple outward, affecting parent-child bonding, relationships, and long-term family wellness. But there is hope—and healing is absolutely possible.

Real Tools for Real Life: How Therapy Helps

Therapy offers a safe, judgment-free space to be honest about what you're going through—and to learn practical tools that truly make a difference. If you're navigating perinatal mental health challenges, here are some gentle yet powerful strategies to explore:

1. Name What You’re Feeling

Therapists trained in perinatal mental health can help you untangle what you’re experiencing—whether it’s anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, or something else—and normalize it without judgment.

_“I didn’t know it had a name. Just having someone say, ‘That’s _postpartum anxiety, and you’re not alone,’ made all the difference.”

2. Challenge Harmful Myths

Therapy helps deconstruct harmful narratives about motherhood, parenting roles, and what it means to be a “good parent.” You’ll work to replace unrealistic expectations with more compassionate, human ones.

3. Build a Toolbox for Coping

Therapists use evidence-based approaches like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), mindfulness, and EMDR (for trauma). These techniques help reduce symptoms and improve your ability to navigate daily stressors.

• Learn grounding techniques to manage panic attacks and building a self-care toolbox

• Practice setting boundaries and asking for support

• Reframe negative self-talk and perfectionism

• Address trauma from a difficult birth or NICU stay

4. Include Partners or Support People

Family or couples therapy can be especially helpful in strengthening communication, managing resentment or role changes, and reminding you that you don’t have to do this alone.

5. Create a Care Plan That Fits Your Life

Whether it’s in-person, online, weekly, or bi-weekly, therapy can be flexible to your needs. A therapist can also connect you to community resources, support groups, and helpful tools tailored to your identity and experience.

You Deserve Healing—and You’re Not Alone

The perinatal period is a time of immense change, both physically and emotionally. It’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions during this time, but when those emotions start to feel overwhelming, therapy can provide the support and guidance needed to manage anxiety and mood disorders. Seeking therapy is not only a proactive step toward healing but also a crucial investment in your well-being and the well-being of your family.

If you or someone you know is struggling with perinatal anxiety or mood disorders, it’s important to remember that help is available, and it’s okay to reach out. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

At WPA, we’re committed to walking alongside you with compassion and expertise. Whether you’re a new parent, a partner, or a loved one trying to help, therapy can be a lifeline—not just for coping, but for growing into the version of yourself you want to be.

Ready to Begin?

You don’t have to keep struggling in silence. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.

If you are interested in getting started, one of our newest therapists at Westmoreland Psychotherapy Associates, Morgan Mitchell, LPC, is currently taking on new clients.

Morgan has extensive experience working with individuals during the perinatal period. Morgan works with clients in the Southwestern Pennsylvania area and across the state through in-person and virtual teletherapy sessions.

Contact us today to get started!

Schedule an Appointment