Perinatal Mental Health

My connection with perinatal mental health

My involvement with perinatal mental health began at the Day Center for Women’s Mental Health Care, “Fainareti,” where I worked during my studies. There, I gained valuable knowledge in psychological assessment and support for individuals with perinatal mental health disorders (such as Perinatal Depression, Perinatal Anxiety, etc.). Currently, I conduct sessions with individuals facing various mental health challenges during the perinatal period (e.g., tokophobia, birth trauma, etc.). Additionally, I collaborate with a fertility clinic (IVF) and am a member of an interdisciplinary team at an Obstetrics and Gynecology practice in Greece.

What does “Perinatal” mean?

“Perinatal” refers to the period from pregnancy until one year after childbirth. Additionally, the terms “prenatal” (the period before pregnancy) and “postnatal” (the period from childbirth to one year after) are also used.

What are perinatal mental health issues?

The arrival of a baby is a significant event, often bringing joy, excitement, and anticipation. However, this life change also comes with challenges on both a psychological and practical level, which may lead to unpleasant feelings such as anxiety, sadness, anger, etc.

When these distressing feelings cause significant discomfort or interfere with daily functioning, the individual may be experiencing a perinatal mental health issue.

Below are some common perinatal mental health problems. The corresponding section provides detailed information on each issue.

• Perinatal Depression
• Perinatal Anxiety
• Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Tokophobia (Fear of Childbirth)
• Birth Trauma & Postnatal Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Mental Health Challenges Due to Preterm Birth

A mental health issue may pre-exist and worsen during the perinatal period or may emerge during or after pregnancy.

What can cause perinatal mental health issues?

During the perinatal period, individuals may find it difficult to differentiate between normal reactions related to the adjustment process and those that may signal a mental health issue. Additionally, understanding the reasons behind the emergence of these problems can be even more challenging.

Here are some factors associated with the development of perinatal mental health issues:

Biological factors: The brain and body undergo significant changes during pregnancy and after childbirth to adapt to the baby’s arrival. Specific hormones (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, oxytocin, and prolactin) fluctuate. These hormonal changes have been linked to mood swings and can create a fertile ground for perinatal mental health issues.

Preexisting mental health issues: The perinatal period can activate or worsen mental health issues that were present before.

Difficult childhood experiences: Individuals who have experienced traumatic events during childhood or difficulties in bonding with their parents may struggle to establish their own parental identity. For example, they may feel insecure about connecting with the baby or recognizing and meeting its needs. Difficulty adapting to the role of parenthood may further complicate the perinatal period.

Psychosocial stressors: Financial difficulties, living and working conditions, unemployment, and other factors may cause stress during the perinatal period.

Stressful life events: During the perinatal period, individuals may find it particularly challenging to manage significant life events simultaneously, such as the death of a loved one, a separation, or a move.

Lack of support: Medical guidance and social support in practical matters are crucial for a smoother adjustment to a baby’s arrival.

Can partners experience perinatal mental health issues?

Perinatal mental health issues are not limited to the individuals who are carrying the pregnancy but can also affect their partners. The arrival of a baby can change the couple’s dynamics, create additional stressful responsibilities, lead to fatigue, cause difficulty adjusting to the parental role, disrupt sleep patterns, and create financial pressures. These difficulties can significantly affect the mental health of partners, who, according to the literature, may experience perinatal depression, perinatal anxiety, etc. Regardless of the mental health problem, partners need to receive appropriate psychological support.

Psychotherapy for perinatal mental health issues

In therapy, we will work together to explore your current symptoms and any challenges from the past that may have been exacerbated during the perinatal period. Using evidence-based therapeutic approaches, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to address these difficulties and support your overall well-being. For further details about my therapeutic approach, please refer to the relevant section.

Additionally, our treatment approach emphasizes collaboration with your obstetrician to ensure that your physical needs are considered, offering comprehensive and holistic support.

Links and Resources on Perinatal Mental Health

Fainareti: Nonprofit organization focused on research and interventions to promote women’s and family health.

• +30 210 9319054: Mental health support line for pregnant women and new mothers.

KOITIDA: Institute for the promotion of mental health during pregnancy and the early years of life.

Postpartum Support International: International nonprofit organization focused on informing, preventing, and treating perinatal mental health issues.

The International Marcé Society for Perinatal Mental Health: An international organization promoting research on mental health issues in women, men, partners, children, and families during pregnancy and the first two years postpartum.

Tommy’s, UK Charity: Research on causes and prevention of pregnancy complications, miscarriages, stillbirth, and preterm births.

Maternal Mental Health Alliance, UK Charity: Supporting women and families during the perinatal period.