Perinatal Mental Health

As a parent, do you ever find yourself wondering…
“Was that the right thing to do?”
“What did I even get done today?”
“Am I a good parent?”
Or even, “Would my baby be better off without me?”

These thoughts can arise even on days when you’ve done so much. How we respond to them—our inner dialogue and coping patterns—can deeply shape how we experience parenthood.

The perinatal period, from conception through the first year after birth, is a time of profound change. It can be meaningful and beautiful, but also overwhelming, and it places parents (including biological, adoptive, and surrogate parents) at increased risk for mental health challenges.

Emotional and psychological symptoms can emerge at any point along the parenting journey. As your child grows, you are growing and changing, too. In therapy, we use evidence-based screening tools such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to better understand your experience and guide personalized support, resources, and care.

While every parent’s experience is unique, therapy can help you navigate challenges such as:

—Experiences related to pregnancy and birth (including conception, delivery, and hospital stays)

—Grief and loss, including pregnancy or infant loss, or changes in identity and life before parenthood

—Overwhelming emotions like sadness, guilt, anger, anxiety, or hopelessness

—Mood changes or swings

—Intrusive or distressing thoughts

—Changes in sleep or appetite

—Feelings of isolation or lack of support

—Strain in relationships with partners or family members

—Loss of interest, joy, or pleasure in things you once enjoyed

Some benefits of perinatal mental health therapy include being able to create a space for healing, support sustainable routines, access to resources, skill building, and reconnecting with your identity beyond parenthood. At Lotus Therapy Group you are not alone— and perinatal mental health conditions are treatable.