Perinatal Mental Health Tips

The perinatal period includes both pregnancy and the year following childbirth. During this time, you may experience a range of mental and physical ups and downs. Just as your body needs special care during pregnancy and postpartum, so does your mental health. While postpartum anxiety and depression are increasingly recognized, perinatal mental health encompasses much more.

During this phase of healing and adjustment, it helps to have a supportive village as well as someone you can lean on for mental health support. Below are some ways to support your mental health on this new journey. At Hays Behavioral Health Group, we’re here to walk alongside you.

Rest and hydration are essential not only for physical well-being but also for mental health. In the early postpartum weeks, rest can be hard to come by. Rest when you can, and avoid overdoing it. Remember, your body is healing. Lean on your village and ask for help when possible.

Maintaining a routine can help ease the stress of navigating this new journey. Once you find your rhythm, try to keep it consistent. Of course, there will be times when you need to deviate, and that’s okay. Having a flexible routine can improve your mood and help your baby adjust to their new environment. As they grow, you can incorporate activities to support their development.

Be kind to yourself—this is new territory, and you’re adjusting. If you notice negative or low thoughts, try to replace them with more compassionate and accurate observations. Making an effort to correct low thoughts can help shift your mindset over time.

Reach out to your medical team and/or your counselor if you feel you’re struggling or need to process how you’re feeling. The perinatal period can bring a wide range of emotions, from happiness to sadness, bliss to anger, and uncertainty to stress. Processing these emotions and learning how to cope with them can help you navigate this new chapter. A counselor can also help you develop a self-care plan to ensure you’re taking care of yourself as well.

Ready to take the next steps toward change? Call our office at 281-882-3706. We look forward to working with you!