It’s crucial to shine a light on the often-overlooked area of maternal mental health, Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) during pregnancy. While HG itself is a physically challenging condition characterized by severe nausea and vomiting, its aftermath can leave a lasting impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. As survivors of HG, it’s important to acknowledge the mental health aspects of your journey toward recovery and know that it is okay to seek support and professional help if needed.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is not merely a medical condition; it’s a traumatic experience that can deeply impact a person’s mental health. The relentless nausea, debilitating vomiting, and feelings of helplessness can leave a lasting emotional toll long after pregnancy ends. The trauma of HG may manifest as anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), affecting your ability to cope with daily life and making caring for children challenging.
Experiencing HG can be incredibly traumatic and can lead to long-lasting psychological effects. Even after the physical symptoms have subsided, survivors may find themselves grappling with heightened anxiety and depression. The fear of reliving the trauma, coupled with the challenges of adjusting to motherhood, can exacerbate these mental health issues. Additionally, if the pregnancy resulted in the delivery of a baby with special needs or if there was neonatal loss, the emotional burden can be even greater. It’s essential to talk to your healthcare professional such as your OBGYN in an effort to understand the unique challenges faced by HG survivors and to recognize the signs of anxiety, depression and/or post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Recovering from HG is not just about healing physically; it’s also about nurturing your mental and emotional well-being. Finding healthy coping strategies is essential for navigating the journey toward healing. Seeking support from fellow HG survivors through support groups or online communities can be incredibly beneficial. Organizations like the HER Foundation provide a valuable platform for individuals to connect with others who have experienced HG, offering validation, understanding, and a sense of solidarity.
Don’t hesitate to seek support from mental health professionals specializing in perinatal mental health, especially if you’ve experienced hyperemesis gravidarum. Therapy offers a safe and supportive environment to process the trauma of HG, develop effective coping strategies, and learn techniques to manage anxiety and depression.
For those living in rural areas or areas that are facing a shortage of mental health professionals, online therapy can provide an accessible option. Additionally, many psychologists are part of PSYPACT, an agreement among 40+ states allowing psychologists licensed in a PSYPACT state to provide services across multiple states. This means individuals can access specialized care from psychologists with experience in HG or perinatal mental health, regardless of geographical barriers.
As you navigate the complexities of mental health after HG, it’s essential to honor your journey and practice self-compassion. Healing takes time and is often not a linear process, so be aware that setbacks can happen along the way. Remember that you are not alone in this journey; there is hope for brighter days ahead.
Let’s shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by survivors recovering from hyperemesis gravidarum. By raising awareness, fostering understanding, and providing support, we can empower HG survivors to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being as they continue their journey toward healing and recovery.
For further assistance on your healing journey, here are a couple of helpful resources that are either free or available for a very small fee:
1. Palouse Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program:
Website: Palouse Mindfulness
Description: Developed by certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) instructor Dave Potter, the Palouse Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program offers an 8-week online program completely free of charge. MBSR is renowned for its effectiveness in stress management by cultivating mindfulness, which helps individuals remain resilient in the face of stressors and prevents negative thought patterns from triggering anxiety. Through guided practices and educational resources, this program empowers participants to integrate mindfulness into their daily lives and experience greater well-being.
2. Anxiety Release Based on EMDR App:
App: Anxiety Release Based on EMDR
Description: The Anxiety Release Based on EMDR app, available for a one-time download fee of $3.99 on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, offers a unique approach to anxiety reduction. Developed using techniques inspired by Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), this app utilizes visual and auditory bilateral stimulation to alleviate anxiety and intrusive thoughts or images. By engaging in exercises with some likeness to EMDR therapy, users can effectively decrease anxiety levels and experience greater emotional well-being.
3. The Wellness Society Free Resources:
Website: The Wellness Society Free Tools
Description: The Wellness Society offers a wealth of free resources to support mental health and well-being, covering a range of topics such as stress, trauma, anxiety, and healthy communication. From downloadable worksheets and workbooks to informative e-books, these resources provide practical tools and guidance for individuals seeking to enhance their mental and emotional resilience. Whether you’re looking to manage stress more effectively, process trauma, or improve communication skills, The Wellness Society’s free resources offer valuable support on your journey toward greater well-being.
4. Mental Health Inventories:
In addition to these tools there are free self-administered mental health inventories, available on numerous mental health websites. They offer individuals a convenient way to recognize signs of various concerns like depression, anxiety, stress, and post-partum issues. Many are offered in multiple languages, promoting inclusivity. While they are only screening tools, they are not meant for self-diagnosis. Instead, they empower individuals to understand their emotional well-being, prompting them to seek professional evaluation and support when indicated. A great resource for these inventories can be found at Mental Health America (https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/) in particular, they have free screening tools for Post-Partum Depression, Post-traumatic Stress and Anxiety.
If you need professional support, one way to find a therapist for individual therapy is to look at the Postpartum Support International for providers who work with women’s maternal health. Not all therapists listed will have specific experience working with hyperemesis gravidarum, but it provides a good starting point for procuring a clinician with this background.
In conclusion, for women experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum, it’s essential to know that help and support are available. You are not alone in this journey.
Thank you to Dr. Michelle Kukla for this excellent blog. Dr. Kukla is a perinatal mental health specialist and licensed clinical psychologist.
Dr. Kukla is the founder of Healthy Living Counseling Center in Illinois. You may visit her website at www.HealthyLivingCounselingCenter.com. Her center is part of PSYPACT, so they accept clients from over 40 states through secure online therapy. See this list of PSYPACT states at https://psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap.
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