Let’s Talk About Perinatal Mental Health: Why Early Support Can Make a Big Difference

Becoming a parent is an exciting journey, but let’s be real—it can also be overwhelming. For many, the perinatal period (from pregnancy through early parenthood) brings not just joy, but anxiety, stress, or even trauma. In fact, 1 in 4 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers face mental health challenges during this time. But here’s the good news: getting the right support early can really help you overcome any challenges so that you and your baby can thrive.

What is Perinatal Mental Health?

The perinatal period, encompassing pregnancy and early parenthood, is a time of intense physical, emotional, and mental changes. While it can bring joy, it can also make it harder to meet your basic emotional and physical needs. Sleep deprivation, hormonal fluctuations, and the demands of a new baby can leave you vulnerable to mental health issues and trauma such as anxiety, depression and birth trauma.

For more information on perinatal mental health challenges, you can visit the NHS Perinatal Mental Health page.

When our emotional needs—like feeling safe, connected, or in control—aren’t met, it can lead to mental health challenges. This is where Human Givens Psychotherapy can be incredibly helpful. Human Givens Therapy recognises that when emotional and physical needs go unmet, it can cause feelings of anxiety, stress, and overwhelm which can then develop into mental health problems.

To learn more about how therapy can support your mental health during pregnancy and early parenthood, visit our Counselling & Psychotherapy page.

How Do You Know It’s Time to Get Help?

It can be hard to know when to reach out for help, especially when you’re a new parent. Here are some signs that it might be a good idea:

• Feeling constantly overwhelmed or anxious

• Having trouble bonding with your baby

• Experiencing persistent low mood

• Worrying all the time about your baby’s safety

• Feeling disconnected or just “not yourself”

If any of these resonate with you, it’s important to remember that help is out there, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Remember, you don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable. Reaching out for help early can make all the difference.

How Can Therapy Help?

Therapy offers a safe space where you can address perinatal challenges in a manageable and supportive way. Human Givens Psychotherapy offers a practical and solution-focused approach that is designed to work quickly and effectively. Rather than revisiting painful memories or focusing on the past, this therapy focuses on addressing your immediate needs in the here and now and equipping you with practical tools for moving forward. The goal is to help you feel more grounded, regain a sense of control, and restore emotional balance. This approach provides relief from distressing symptoms, allowing you to feel more connected, confident, and present during this transformative time in your life.

Here’s some of the ways it helps:

• Strengthen your connection with your baby

• Help process difficult experiences like a traumatic birth

• Reduce anxiety and low mood so you can feel more like yourself

If you’re struggling with trauma related to birth, you can read more about my approach on the Birth Trauma Therapy page.

Real Stories, Real Change

Sometimes, it helps to hear from others who’ve been there:

"After experiencing severe anxiety during my pregnancy, therapy allowed me to feel calm again. I now feel closer to my baby and more confident as a parent."— Sophie, mother of one

"Rosie’s support gave me the strength to overcome my fears. I no longer feel trapped by what happened, and therapy has truly changed my outlook on parenthood."— Emma, trauma recovery client

Ready to Feel Better? Let’s Chat!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, it’s okay to ask for help. Perinatal mental health issues are more common than people think, and getting support early can help you feel more confident and in control. I offer free 15-minute consultations, so let’s chat and see how I can help you move forward. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Book your free consultation here.