Motherhood comes with a range of changes both physical and emotional. It is an exciting and challenging time. You have this new bundle of joy that requires all of your attention and care, not to mention lack of sleep, changes in friendships and other relationships, anxiety, guilt, and the dilemmas surrounding career and family. While it might feel overwhelming to add another thing to your to-do list as a mom, regular sessions with a mental health professional can act as a sort-of gym class for your soul. It is a time to focus on self-care and work through the emotional and physical challenges you are faced with as your life and priorities have been uprooted.
Why should you seek counseling as a new mom?
What are the benefits? New parents need support. You need a safe ear to talk about the things you are feeling and thinking, free of judgment. Whether struggling with attachment to your new baby, feelings of guilt over returning to work, anxiety over what needs to be done and what the future holds, or changes in household dynamics, a licensed counselor can help. Mental health professionals can offer guidance. Together you can develop a plan to help ease some of the stress you are feeling as a new parent. Maybe it is establishing healthy boundaries with other family members, opening doors of communication with a spouse, or fitting in time for self-care. Counseling sessions can help guide you in how to cope in the best way possible so that you are back to feeling content and healthy as soon as possible.
Let’s be honest, everyone can use a personal cheerleader. When you are going through the emotional roller coaster of parenting it can be easy to get down on yourself. “Am I doing this right?” “Should my baby be crying this much?” “Why can’t I get him/her to calm down?” “I shouldn’t have eaten that” or “stayed out so late” with my child. Whatever it is you can start to feel like you are the “worst mom in the world.” But, the reality is you are just a mother who is trying her best. Counseling can put things into perspective and bring you out of your head. It is like having your own personal cheerleader to say, “you are doing great” and show you in what ways you are succeeding. Often, at the end of sessions, new moms will cry and explain that all they needed was someone to tell them “everything is going to be fine” and “they are doing a good job.” Help coping with depression and anxiety. Pregnancy and childbirth cause a lot of hormonal changes and can trigger symptoms of depression and anxiety. Combined with your body trying to regulate in its new life, while also struggling with exhaustion, it can be hard to get through the day. Regular counseling sessions can help with healthy coping skills and assist in getting you back to feeling your best.
How Do You Get Your Own Personal Cheerleader?
It might feel overwhelming to reach out and ask for help, but we make it really easy! To begin with us, just follow these steps:
