Sara

Age at interview: 36

Sara lives with her partner and her four-year-old daughter. Sara and her partner had tried to get pregnant for a while with no luck, and at that time she noticed the first few signs of anxiety, such as a general feeling of uneasiness and being on alert for danger. When she got pregnant, other signs and symptoms associated with anxiety appeared. For example, she felt excessively worried about her pregnancy and overreacted to things she perceived as being a threat. Although Sara shared her concerns with the healthcare professionals who were supporting her during pregnancy, none of them gave her any specific directions or guidance about how to manage her symptoms or get treatment.

Three months after delivery, she realized things were not getting any better, so she decided to go back to her general practitioner who prescribed some medication which was helpful. Since then, Sara has been actively taking care of herself. Through therapy, she acknowledged how her own high standards for being a mother were playing a key role in triggering symptoms associated with both anxiety and depression. She became aware of the need to adjust her own maternal expectations.

Sara learned a lot from this experience. Although she is still taking her medication and being followed by her psychologist, she now feels stronger and willing to help other mothers facing similar challenges.

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More content

• Advice for Women with Perinatal Mental Health Issues – Sara
  Sara addresses the fear of repercussions from talking to others.
• Sharing Experiences – Sara
  Sara found a group where she could speak when she needed to, but never felt pressured.
• Work, Finances and Mental Health – Sara (clip 2)
  Sara feels she might have gone back to work too soon as she wasn't feeling better yet.
• Work, Finances and Mental Health – Sara
  Sara's feelings of rage at home and work led to her decision to see a psychologist.
• Relationships – Sara
  Sara's husband would find her on the sofa crying when he came home and would reassure her that she would get better.
• Support from Family and Friends – Sara
  After not eating and drinking for several days, Sara finally called her friend for help.
• Managing Personal Challenges with Sleeping and Eating – Sara
  Sara didn't eat for three days. A friend came after she called her, fed her and encouraged her to contact a crises center.
• Coping with Feeding – Sara
  Therapy helped Sara realize that she had put so much effort in breastfeeding that it had ended up hurting her well-being.