Parenting, Pregnancy, Psychology

YOU’RE NOT ALONE.

You don’t have to wait until everything feels like it’s falling apart to reach out for support.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are often painted as the most joyful times in a woman’s life. The glowing bump, the tiny baby clothes, the loving glances exchanged with your partner. But behind the filtered photos and well-meaning “enjoy every moment” comments, many women quietly carry a weight that no one else sees.

And if you’re reading this, maybe that weight feels a little too heavy right now.

Whether you’re pregnant or holding your newborn in your arms, it’s okay if things don’t feel okay. It’s not a sign of weakness or failure—it’s a sign that you’re human, and navigating one of the biggest transformations of your life. Mental health support can be a lifeline, not just in crisis, but anytime you feel out of balance, disconnected, or overwhelmed.

Let’s talk about what that can look like.

Pregnancy is a time of enormous physical, hormonal, and emotional change. While some emotional ups and downs are to be expected, persistent distress isn’t something to brush aside.

You might want to seek support if:

• You’re feeling anxious more days than not—especially if your thoughts feel intrusive, repetitive, or hard to control.
• Your mood is low and you’re finding it hard to connect with things that usually bring you joy.
• You’re constantly worried about the baby or feel disconnected from the pregnancy altogether.
• You’re overwhelmed with guilt, shame, or fear that you’re already “not doing it right.”
• Sleep is disturbed—not just by physical discomfort, but by racing thoughts or restlessness.
• You’re avoiding appointments, withdrawing from loved ones, or feel like no one understands.

These feelings are more common than people think. Perinatal anxiety and depression affect up to 1 in 5 women in Australia during pregnancy (Centre of Perinatal Excellence, 2023). You are not the exception—you are not alone.

Postpartum is often referred to as the “fourth trimester”—a continuation of the intense changes from pregnancy, only now you’re learning to care for a baby while recovering from birth. It’s a time when support is not a luxury—it’s essential.

Signs you may need to reach out include:

• Feeling persistently sad, numb, or emotionally flat.
• High levels of anxiety, panic attacks, or constant worrying—especially around the baby’s safety.
• Trouble sleeping, even when your baby sleeps.
• Feeling like you’re not bonding with your baby, or like someone else could do a better job.
• Feeling angry, irritable, or emotionally disconnected from your partner or support system.
• Experiencing scary or unwanted thoughts that feel out of character.

If you’re thinking, “But I should be grateful” or “Everyone struggles with sleep and stress, right?”—please know that struggling is not a prerequisite for support. You don’t have to tick every box. If something feels off, that’s reason enough to talk to someone.

Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re broken. It doesn’t mean you’re failing as a mother or that you can’t handle motherhood. It means you’re brave enough to prioritise your well-being—because when you feel well, everything else becomes more manageable.

Mental health support might look like:

• Speaking with a perinatal psychologist who understands the unique emotional terrain of pregnancy and motherhood.
• Joining a support group where you can talk openly and realise you’re not the only one feeling this way.
• Exploring mindfulness, grounding techniques, or evidence-based therapies like CBT or EMDR.
• Creating space for your own needs, even in small, gentle ways.

Whether you’re 10 weeks pregnant, 10 days postpartum, or 10 months into motherhood, your mental health matters. You don’t have to wait until things feel unmanageable. In fact, early support can make all the difference in how you experience this chapter of your life.

If you’re unsure where to start, speak with your GP, maternal health nurse, or reach out to a perinatal mental health professional. There are also wonderful support organisations like PANDA, COPE, and Gidget Foundation offering free resources and helplines.

You are doing something incredibly important. And even on the days it feels hard, messy, or uncertain—you’re still worthy of care.

You’re not alone. You’re not failing. You’re a mother finding her way. And there is support here for you, every step of the journey.

If this post resonates with you and you’re looking for a safe, supportive space, the Feel Good Prenatal and Postnatal Groups offer a place to connect with other women, learn valuable tools, and feel seen. Because you deserve to feel good, too. 💛

Written By STEPHANIE ALEXANDER

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