Reflections on World Maternal Mental Health Day
The transition into parenthood is one of the most profound life changes a person can experience. It is a season of immense growth, but also one that requires deep emotional support, a safe space to be heard, and—most importantly—an intentionally slow approach to healing.
Yesterday marked World Maternal Mental Health Day. While our culture often paints a picture of parenthood as a time of uninterrupted joy, the reality is much more complex. For many, this season is navigated under a significant, invisible weight. As a perinatal therapist serving parents across California, I want to take a moment to pull back the curtain on these experiences and offer a reminder: You are not alone.
THE REALITY OF PERINATAL MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS (PMADS)
Understanding the landscape of maternal mental health is the first step in breaking the stigma. When we look at the data provided by organizations like Postpartum Support International (PSI), we see just how universal these struggles are:
🌿 1 in 5 new mothers will experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD).
🌿 7 in 10 women feel the need to hide or downplay their symptoms, often due to societal pressure to appear "perfect."
🌿 1 in 10 fathers also experience postpartum depression, proving that the mental health of the entire family unit is interconnected.
🌿 Up to 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage or loss, bringing a unique and heavy form of grief that requires specialized care.
Whether you are navigating the intrusive thoughts of postpartum anxiety, the heavy fog of depression, or the complexities of birth trauma, please hear this: This is not your fault, and you are not "failing" at parenthood.
AN INTENTIONALLY SLOW APPROACH TO HEALING
In a world that often demands we "bounce back" immediately, I advocate for the opposite. Healing the mind and heart after a major life transition cannot be rushed. It requires a values-based, compassionate approach that honors your unique timeline.
At my virtual practice based in San Diego, I utilize modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and EMDR to help parents across California process these transitions. We focus on building resilience and finding your footing again, one slow, intentional step at a time.
FINDING SUPPORT FOR YOUR JOURNEY
The most important thing to remember is that perinatal mood disorders are highly treatable. With specialized mental health support, recovery is not just a possibility—it is the expected outcome.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or simply "not like yourself," I invite you to reach out. I offer virtual telehealth sessions throughout California, designed to meet you exactly where you are—even if that’s in the middle of a chaotic morning or while tending to your little ones.
You don’t have to navigate this transition alone. Let’s hold space for your healing together.
Are you ready to begin? Click here.
If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, please reach out to the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA.