Feelings of guilt, shame, or fear—especially when they don’t match the “joyful” experience you thought you’d have—can make it even harder to reach out for help. At Ferris & Associates Counseling, our compassionate therapists and counselors understand how isolating these experiences can feel and are proud to provide perinatal mood disorder therapy through both in-person at our office in Fishes and online for patients across Indiana.
Challenges Surrounding Pregnancy
Between the changes to your life and what's happening with your hormones, conditions are ripe for mental health issues to arise. Even if you're excited about adding a new member to your family, you could still be battling with these issues.
On the other hand, you could feel extremely nervous about being a good parent to your little one, which can inhibit your ability to enjoy your time with your baby and be as present as you desire to be.
Examples of Perinatal Mood Disorders
An example of a perinatal mood disorder that a therapist at our practice can help with is perinatal depression, a form of depression that usually occurs between four and eight weeks after you give birth. You could also suffer from depression while you're still pregnant, known as prenatal depression. Common signs found in mothers experiencing depression include:
Feeling extremely sad, hopeless, or worthless
Feeling empty, frustrated, or guilty
Having trouble concentrating or making decisions
Struggling to bond with your baby or get excited about your pregnancy
Experiencing fatigue
Other examples of perinatal mood disorders include:
Prenatal or postpartum anxiety
Postpartum bipolar disorder
Postpartum psychosis
Prenatal or postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder
Prenatal post-traumatic stress disorder
How We Can Help
Whether you have a diagnosable perinatal mood disorder or are just struggling emotionally during your pregnancy, a counselor from our Fishers, IN, practice has the necessary training to help you overcome it.
We offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you cope with difficult feelings and become more confident about your parenting skills. You'll learn to challenge the negative assumptions that are hindering you during or after pregnancy.
You may also learn techniques to help you calm yourself, establish boundaries, and engage in self-care to help manage stress and depression.
Benefits of Perinatal Mood Disorder Therapy
Seeking perinatal mood disorder therapy can provide you with a safe, supportive space to process the emotional challenges that often accompany pregnancy and the postpartum period. Working with a qualified therapist or counselor allows you to better understand your symptoms, whether they involve an anxiety disorder, depression, or overwhelming stress. Therapy can also help normalize your experience, reminding you that you are not alone and that effective support is available both in-person and through online telehealth sessions.
What to Expect in Counseling
During counseling, your therapist will tailor treatment to your unique needs, whether you are navigating pregnancy-related anxiety, postpartum depression, or another perinatal mood concern. Sessions may focus on emotional regulation, improving sleep habits, strengthening your support system, and developing coping strategies that fit your daily life as a new or expecting parent. Telehealth options make it easier to attend sessions from home, which can be especially helpful during the postpartum phase.
FAQs About Perinatal Mood Disorders
When should I seek help from a therapist?
If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm persist for more than a couple of weeks or begin interfering with your daily functioning, it may be time to seek support from a counselor. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
Can I attend therapy online during pregnancy or postpartum?
Yes. Ferris & Associates offers online telehealth counseling, making it convenient to access care without needing to leave home—especially important for new mothers.
Is it normal to feel anxious or depressed during pregnancy?
While some emotional ups and downs are common, persistent symptoms of anxiety disorder or depression are not something you have to manage alone. A trained therapist can help you work through these challenges safely and effectively.
Begin Perinatal Mood Disorder Therapy Today
At Ferris & Associates, we help women with perinatal mood disorders through counseling in-person and online. If you're ready to feel more supported during your pregnancy or postpartum journey, we encourage you to request an appointment for perinatal mood disorder therapy in Fishers, IN, today. Connecting with a compassionate therapist can help you regain balance, confidence, and peace of mind during this important stage of life.