Parenting and Maternal Mental Health

Becoming a parent is a major life transition. Being a parent is a full-time job and often leaves little time for socialising or pursuing hobbies. Personal and cultural expectations can make this transition even harder. 

There is often an expectation that parenting should be easy and intuitive, which can make it difficult for parents to reach out for help when they are struggling. This can leave parents feeling 'not good enough', which can further contribute to feelings of isolation.

Parenting can bring up unresolved issues from one's own childhood or past. It is not uncommon to experience mental health issues during the perinatal and postnatal periods. Relationship conflicts, domestic violence, unresolved childhood trauma, migration, history of mental health issues and lack of social support can all be contributing factors. 

Psychotherapy can help by providing a safe space where you can explore all your thoughts and feelings. This sometimes involves reflecting on your own childhood experiences and developing a narrative that makes sense to you. By addressing these issues, you can prevent them from negatively impacting your parenting. If you would like to prioritize your well-being as a parent and explore how I may help you, please do not hesitate to reach out.