How to Know When You Need Therapy: 10 Signs You Might Be Struggling
Keywords: do I need therapy, signs of postpartum depression, anxiety after having a baby, overwhelmed mom, new parent stress, mental health help for new parents, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, postpartum depression support
Is This Just “Normal New Parent Stress”… Or Something More?
You’ve probably heard it before—“It’s just part of being a new parent.” Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, emotional, and even disconnected from your baby is often brushed off as “normal” and something you just have to power through. But what if it’s not something you should have to just push through?
There’s a difference between the common challenges of adjusting to parenthood and signs that you could really benefit from extra support. If you’re wondering whether what you’re experiencing is something therapy could help with, the answer is simple: if you’re asking the question, it’s already worth exploring.
10 Signs It’s Time to Consider Therapy
1. You Feel Overwhelmed All the Time
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed some days as a parent—but if it feels like every day is a battle to keep your head above water, that’s a sign your emotional load may be too heavy to carry alone.
2. You’re Anxious About Everything
Are you constantly worrying about your baby’s safety, your relationship, or even your own health? Do you feel stuck in a cycle of “what if” thinking that you can’t seem to stop? This may be a sign of postpartum anxiety or even perinatal OCD, both of which are highly treatable in therapy.
3. You Cry Often and Can’t Always Explain Why
Emotional ups and downs are common after having a baby, but if you find yourself crying frequently or feeling sad most of the day, it could be a symptom of postpartum depression.
4. You Feel Numb or Disconnected
Do you look at your life and wonder why you don’t feel more joy? If you’re feeling detached from your baby, your partner, or even yourself, therapy can help you reconnect.
5. You’re Having Scary or Intrusive Thoughts
Thoughts like “What if I drop the baby?” or “What if something terrible happens?” are more common than people realize. These thoughts don’t mean you’ll act on them, but they can feel terrifying. Therapy offers a safe, non-judgmental space to talk about these thoughts and find relief.
6. You’re Avoiding People and Places You Used to Enjoy
If you’re constantly turning down social invitations, struggling to leave the house, or avoiding situations that feel overwhelming, therapy can help you regain a sense of confidence and control.
7. You’re Not Sleeping, Even When You Have the Chance
Sleepless nights come with the territory of new parenthood, but if anxiety or racing thoughts keep you up even when the baby is asleep, this may be a sign that your nervous system is stuck in survival mode.
8. You’re Using Unhealthy Coping Strategies
Maybe you’re reaching for food, alcohol, online shopping, or endless scrolling to try to escape how you feel. These coping strategies might help in the short term, but therapy can help you find healthier ways to manage stress that actually help long-term.
9. You Feel Like You’re Failing—No Matter What You Do
If you can’t shake the feeling that you’re not a “good enough” parent, therapy can help you challenge the impossible expectations you’re holding yourself to and find peace with the reality that you’re doing your best.
10. You’re Wondering if You Need Therapy
If you’ve read this far, that’s a sign you’re already searching for answers. You don’t have to wait until things get worse. It’s okay to reach out for support now.
Therapy Is Not a Sign of Weakness—It’s a Step Toward Feeling Better
It’s easy to feel like asking for help means you’ve somehow failed. But the truth is, reaching out for support is one of the bravest things you can do. You’re not broken. You’re not failing. You’re simply going through a life season that’s incredibly hard—and you deserve care through it.
When you’re ready, I’m here to help you sort through the overwhelm, find your footing again, and start feeling more like you.