Sometimes getting pregnant and having a baby is not the experience we hope it to be. For new parents, it can be upsetting and frightening to have feelings about parenthood that don’t seem “right.” Even for experienced parents, welcoming another child to your family may leave you trying to find yourself again.
Perinatal and postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and psychosis have become more familiar terms, but parents can still struggle to seek or receive treatment. Research on perinatal mental health continues to be centered in a heteronormative framework- that is, everything is about “mom and dad.” Queer parents’ experiences of conception, pregnancy, birth and parenting are often left out of the research. As a psychotherapist and queer parent, Kaya is honored to hold space for the experiences of queer parents.
If You Feel Worried, Lost, or Overwhelmed- You Are Not Alone
Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed right now with all that’s going on. You may be feeling:
- Disconnected from the people who used to be your supports
- Confused about memories from your own childhood resurfacing since becoming a parent yourself
- Trapped in your traumatic birth experience, unsure you’ll ever be able to move on.
- Ashamed that you worked so hard for this baby and now that they’re here you can’t see hope for your future.
Other Symptoms May Include
- Feeling overwhelmed and wondering if you should have become a parent in the first place
- Not feeling “bonded” with the baby
- Feeling empty and numb as if you’re just going through the motions
- Lack of focus and concentration
- Thoughts of running away or leaving your baby behind
- Being constantly in a state of worry
If one or more of the above symptoms resonates with you, please schedule a free consultation today.