3 Reasons Why It’s Important to Seek Treatment for Pregnancy Anxiety and Depression

Becoming pregnant or planning for pregnancy are both incredibly exciting times and can bring with them many joys and new adventures! On the other hand, it can also be very stressful, and cause some really big feelings – anxiety and depression. Pregnancy anxiety and depression are incredibly common, but incredibly difficult emotions to work through on your own because they tend to cause some self-isolation and make you feel like you are all on your own. When you self-isolate, you can perpetuate the cycle of anxiety and depression because you are pulling yourself away from your friends and family that want to help you. In addition to that, anxiety and depression are not healthy for a growing fetus and are not healthy for someone that is working on becoming pregnant, because it makes the body less prepared for pregnancy. Self-care is incredibly important and getting help for your pregnancy anxiety and depression sets a good precedence for yourself that throughout your pregnancy you will engage in self-care and take the precious time required to take care of yourself!

Self-Isolation…

Whether you are “trying” or are actively pregnant and expecting, pregnancy anxiety and depression can become evident, and can change your entire outlook.  People that experience anxiety and depression in general tend to engage in something called “self-isolation”.  Self-isolation, in a nutshell, means that you are pulling away from friends and family, and spending more time alone, holed up in your room – not getting out of the house and engaging in social activities. Some people experience mild self-isolation, while others experience severe self-isolation, struggling to even leave the house to go to the grocery store, or get out of their bed and shower. This can be progressive, and start slowly, and before you know it – you are turning down invitations to hang out left and right, and you are finding getting out of bed to be “too tiring”. Self-isolation perpetuates anxiety and depression because it makes us feel like people don’t want to be around us, and we end up feeling lonelier. Pregnancy anxiety and depression is no exception to this, and one of the main reasons that it is so important to seek help when experiencing pregnancy anxiety and depression.

Anxiety and Depression Can Affect Your Body…

There are many scientific studies that have been done that correlate people with chronic anxiety and depression with lowered immune systems. Pregnancy anxiety and depression can absolutely affect the body the same way.  If you are currently pregnant, your body is growing another human being – that’s hard work! Experiencing pregnancy anxiety and depression can fatigue your body even more than it normally would and can cause a weakened immune system.  If you are currently trying to become pregnant and you are experiencing pregnancy anxiety and depression, this can actually make it harder for you to become pregnant because your body is not at its peak health and fitness – not to mention, you probably won’t be feeling great. This is another reason why it’s essential to address pregnancy anxiety and depression early on, so that it doesn’t become overwhelming and can be managed effectively before it becomes a chronic issue.

Practicing Self-Care is Essential…

Allowing yourself to get the help you need when you are experiencing pregnancy anxiety and depression is actually a really great way of practicing self-care and compassion. Being pregnant or trying to become pregnant – requires a lot of self-care and compassion.  That can be a difficult process, and once you are pregnant, you especially have to know how to take care of yourself, not only for you – but so that you can model that for your child! Self-care is not always pampering yourself and doing extravagant things – sometimes it’s sitting down to read a good book, taking some time to meditate following a stressful day, or seeking out the help of a professional when feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed.  Pregnancy anxiety and depression are no different! Consider this the prime time to begin practicing self-care and allowing yourself to get the help you need not only for yourself but for your child!

How We Can Help…

If you are looking for anxiety treatment in Miami, FL or online anxiety therapy in Florida – we are the practice for you!  We are dedicated to providing the utmost care and compassion to individuals experiencing not only anxiety and depression, but those symptoms relating to pregnancy as well!  We are highly skilled at working with individuals through the difficulties often associated with pregnancy, and life. We are proud to be able to offer both in person anxiety therapy in Miami, FL area, but also offer online therapy in South Florida, expanding to the entire state of Florida. We recognize that pregnancy anxiety and depression are difficult, and you deserve help! We love helping people – so, if you are looking for online counseling in Florida or anxiety counseling in Miami, FL, please reach out to us! We would love to chat with you about what you are experiencing and get you back onto the path to happiness!