Category Archives: Parents

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What Should I know about PMADs? Tips for New and Expecting Parents from Mental Health Professionals

Counseling, New Parents, Parents, Self Care

Through the magic of social media and the internet, I have been able to connect with many professionals around the country (and world) who specialize in in maternal mental health.

I asked some of my colleagues to share their thoughts on the following question:

As a mental health professional, what information do you think new or expecting parents should know about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders? 

I noticed 5 themes in the answers my colleagues shared. Continue reading What Should I know about PMADs? Tips for New and Expecting Parents from Mental Health Professionals →

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Stressors & Children: Preparing for a New Sibling

Children, Families, New Parents, Parents, Stressors

Preparing for the birth of a new sibling can bring about mixed feelings for parents as they consider how to help their older children with this transition.   Parents often feel excited to welcome a new child into the family, but also nervous about how older siblings will respond and adjust.     The adjustment of my oldest child was definitely one of my concerns as my family prepared for the birth our second child.     It’s normal to have some anxiety about this transition and I hope this post will help address some of your concerns and lessen your anxiety.

There are many factors that affect how a child adjusts to a new sibling, but after reading this post you will have some great ideas to ensure that this transition goes as smoothly as possible for your family.   Continue reading Stressors & Children: Preparing for a New Sibling →

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10 Self Care Tips for New Parents

Counseling, Families, New Parents, Parents, Self Care

What is self care?  How does becoming a parent impact our self care?

Self care is purposeful action we take to ensure our wellbeing.   Wellbeing includes our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.

As we take on the new role of being a parent and learning how to balance our new responsibilities, it can be easy to put self care on the back burner.   We focus on taking good care of our babies and can forget to take care of ourselves, too.  In order to be the best parents that we can be, we need to make sure we are tending to our self care needs, too.

10 Tips Self Care Tips for New Parents Continue reading 10 Self Care Tips for New Parents →

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Perinatal Mental Health: A Brief Q & A

Counseling, New Parents, Parents

If you’ve heard the phrase perinatal mental health and not been sure what that means, you are not alone.    This post will provide a brief overview of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.  It is a quick read with links to more information, if needed.   Please take a few minutes to check it out, especially if you are concerned that you or a loved one may be struggling.

What is a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder?
A perinatal mood or anxiety disorder is one that emerges during pregnancy or within the first 12 months after childbirth.

While it is believed that 80% of new mothers experience the “baby blues,” the symptoms of a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder are more severe and last longer.

  • 15-20% of women experience significant symptoms of depression or anxiety after childbirth.
  • Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders affect women of all ages and backgrounds.
  • New fathers can also experience depression or anxiety.

Continue reading Perinatal Mental Health: A Brief Q & A →

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What is postpartum anxiety?

Counseling, Families, New Parents, Parents

In my personal experience as a mom-to-be, I often heard about postpartum depression.    My doctor’s screened for it.  My friends experienced it.  It was talked about in the news.   On the other hand, I don’t remember hearing about postpartum anxiety until I began to learn more about perinatal mental health, in my role as a therapist.

6% of pregnant women develop anxiety.

10% of women develop anxiety during the postpartum period.

Continue reading What is postpartum anxiety? →

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Do I have Postpartum Depression?

Counseling, Families, New Parents, Parents

If you (or a loved one) have recently had a baby and are experiencing changes in your mood you may be wondering if you are experiencing postpartum depression.      It can be difficult to differentiate between the normal emotional adjustments to becoming a parent and a perinatal mental health concern such as postpartum depression.     In fact, it is estimated that around 80% of new mothers experience the “baby blues” during the first 2-3 weeks postpartum.

The symptoms of postpartum depression are more severe and don’t go away quickly.   It is believed that at least 15% of women experience significant depression following the birth of a child.   If you experience any of the following symptoms during the first year postpartum and, you may be experiencing postpartum depression: Continue reading Do I have Postpartum Depression? →

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Helpful Holiday Links from Therapists (Part 3): Children, Parenting & The Holidays

Children, Families, Parents, Stressors

Experiencing holidays with the children in our lives can be so much fun.  Their excitement tends to be contagious.   On the other hand, the changes in routine, eating habits and sleep combined with the pressure to fulfill holiday expectations can create added stress for parents and children.

In this final post in the Helpful Holiday Links from Therapists series, I’ve compiled links which address common topics that emerge for parents during the holidays.  The tips contained in these posts are practical, helpful and come from therapist colleagues across the country.  I hope one or more of the links that I have shared will speak to you. Continue reading Helpful Holiday Links from Therapists (Part 3): Children, Parenting & The Holidays →

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Helpful Holiday Links from Therapists (Part 2): Family, Relationships & The Holidays

Children, Families, Parents, Stressors

Holidays are often a time when we reflect on our families and relationships.    Depending on your unique experiences and relationships, the opportunity or lack of opportunity to connect with family members during the holidays may trigger a variety of emotions including; joy, anxiety, frustration, disappointment, sadness, confusion and so much more.

Therapists across the country have been blogging about relationship dynamics that can play out during the holidays.   I am sharing links that I think provide helpful information and represent a variety of relationship themes that can emerge during the holidays. Although I can’t share links to cover every situation, I am hopeful that you will find a post that speaks to you or a loved one this holiday season. Continue reading Helpful Holiday Links from Therapists (Part 2): Family, Relationships & The Holidays →

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Helpful Holiday Links from Therapists: Surviving the Holidays (Part 1)

Families, Parents, Self Care, Stressors

Over the years that I have been practicing therapy, I have had the honor of witnessing the variety of ways in which people experience the holiday season.  Some clients have shared excitement and joy about the holidays, while others report feeling that the holidays amplify their existing struggles.

Based on similar experiences in their work, many of my therapist colleagues across the country have written powerful and helpful posts about navigating the holiday season.   Because there is so much great content that I wanted to share with you, I obtained permission from some my colleagues to compile their links into this series of posts on my blog. Continue reading Helpful Holiday Links from Therapists: Surviving the Holidays (Part 1) →

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Giving the Gift of Self Care

Families, Parents, Self Care

Have you ever considered giving the gift of self care?    The gift of self care is a gift that encourages someone to prioritize his or her self care.  Self care is purposeful action that an individual takes to ensure their well-being.   Well-being can include; emotional health, mental health, physical health, and spiritual health.     Given this definition of self care and a little creativity, there are many possibilities for how we can give someone the gift of self care. Continue reading Giving the Gift of Self Care →