Have you or a loved one experienced anxiety during pregnancy or after having a baby? As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Worth, I’ve seen how these feelings can affect new and expecting parents. Pregnancy and postpartum anxiety treatment can help you.
From mild worry to overwhelming fear (and trust me, the whole spectrum is valid), anxiety shows up differently for everyone during this transformative time.
Understanding Pregnancy Anxiety in Fort Worth
Listen, many people know about postpartum depression – but pregnancy anxiety? That needs equal attention. In fact, anxiety affects approximately 1 in 10 women during pregnancy. The physical and emotional changes can trigger intense symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.
My clients often describe feeling constant worry about their baby’s health and safety. They talk about the racing thoughts that will not slow down. And sleep becomes difficult – despite exhaustion.
Here are some common signs of pregnancy anxiety:
- Persistent worrying about the baby
- Constant thoughts that don’t slow down
- Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Changes in appetite
- Constant feeling of being on edge
Postpartum Anxiety Treatment Options
Through my years of counseling experience in Fort Worth, I’ve developed effective approaches for new parents. The first step is understanding that these feelings don’t make you a bad parent. Not even close to that. Anxiety during this time is both common and treatable.
And here’s something important to know – while counseling can be incredibly helpful for many new parents, sometimes anxiety symptoms might also signal that your hormones need attention. For some parents, working with both a counselor and a women’s health specialist to get those pre-baby levels balanced again can be the perfect combo for feeling more like yourself. It’s a team approach – we’ve got you covered from all angles.
1. Building Your Support System
One of the most important aspects of treatment involves creating strong support networks. This might include family members, trusted friends, or other parents.
Simply put, social connection plays a pretty significant role in reducing anxiety symptoms. I’m not oblivious to the fact that finding energy to reach out to people can be tough. But just because it’s tough doesn’t mean that you don’t have to do it.
2. Physical Activity & Anxiety Management
Even simple activities like a 30-minute walk can make a significant difference. And yes, pushing a stroller counts! Many of my clients find that moving their bodies helps quiet anxious thoughts.
Additionally, self-care becomes especially important during pregnancy and postpartum periods. This list can make a big difference for new parents. However, sometimes these can be daunting ideas to try and tackle during the chaos. Some easy things you can do right now to get some help:
- Taking short breaks throughout the day
- Getting fresh air when possible
- Finding quiet moments for yourself
- Don’t think about the worst possible outcome – remind yourself about the best possible outcomes as well
- Practicing basic relaxation techniques
3. Professional Counseling Approach
At Fort Wellness Counseling in Fort Worth, we combine traditional counseling methods with practical stress-management techniques. Together, we might work on:
- Breathing exercises for anxiety
- Strategies to improve sleep quality
- Tools for managing racing thoughts
- Techniques for staying present
Finding Help in Fort Worth for New Parents
Through my decade of experience helping our community improve anxiety symptoms, I’ve seen so many parents find their way to relief. And here’s what I want you to know – with proper support and treatment, you absolutely can develop tools to manage anxiety effectively.
And yes, even while juggling everything else. Taking care of yourself and prioritizing yourself is not selfish. In fact, it’s unselfish because you are doing it to be the best version of yourself and be the best parent you can be.
If you’re ready to take the first step, book an appointment with our team to begin your path to managing pregnancy and postpartum anxiety. Because, the truth is, having a calmer, more peaceful parenting experience is not just a nice idea – is possible with the right support. Reach out today to see how we can help you.