Prenatal – Postpartum
Anxiety and Depression
“Yes.”
Today would forever change her life.
Sitting in the restroom, overwhelmed with mixed emotions, Naomi stared down at one word that she’d heard many times before.
But today, it meant something different. For the first time in her life, she was going to be a mother.
She had so many questions, so many thoughts –
But mostly, she felt fear. “I’m not ready for this,” she kept silently repeating.
Maybe?
Weeks passed. Naomi came to accept that she’d be welcoming a child soon.
But she couldn’t stop her mind from racing, every thought filling her brain with frightening uncertainty. She’d experienced anxiety before, but this felt entirely different, much more intense.
She couldn’t stop worrying. No matter what she tried or did, nothing seemed to work. She was exhausted physically and mentally, and the constant worry about her baby was beginning to make her feel a deep sense of sadness.
No…
As time passed, Naomi gave birth to a little girl she named Destiny.
But every day, her condition worsened. Not only could she not manage, but she was also feeling more and more guilt.
She felt pressure from everywhere – her spouse, her family, society, even her newborn child.
She’d poured her heart out to her family, her friends, and nearly everyone she could think of, but she never felt heard or understood.
Why?
Why couldn’t she just be happy? Why couldn’t she celebrate Destiny’s birth in a way she felt acceptable?
Her sadness and guilt were only intensified, because everyone else was happily celebrating the baby’s arrival, while she felt frightened.
And alone.
Naomi knew she needed more support.
Why NOT?
Being a mom is no easy task. In fact, it may be the hardest and most important thing you’ll ever do.
It’s no surprise that, during this time of transition, you may need a lot of support.
Motherhood can fill your heart with indescribable joy, but it can also leave you feeling emotionally exhausted.
There’ll be some days when you feel you’ve got the hang of it, but there’ll be many days when you feel as though you’re going insane. The highs and lows can send you on an emotional rollercoaster.
Although motherhood can feel lonely, you’re not alone.
Or at least you don’t have to be.
You are not your feelings, and your feelings are not a reflection of who you are as a mother.
You don’t have to have all the answers, and you don’t have to pretend that everything is okay.
It’s okay to ask for help.
The truth is that there are many days when things may not be okay, and there is help.
You can get the support you need and finally feel free to be yourself and to express the things that have made you feel alone and isolated for so long.
You don’t have to go through this alone.
Acceptance. Validation. Understanding. Compassion.
They’re all right here – waiting for you.
Together, we’ll get you the support you need to create the motherhood experience of your dreams.
Contact me today (818) 835-3137. Let’s talk.