Perinatal mental health — the emotional and psychological wellbeing of a person during pregnancy and the postpartum period — is a clinical specialty that has grown significantly in recent decades, largely because the need for it has finally become impossible to ignore. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of childbirth, affecting up to 20% of pregnant and postpartum people. And yet, they remain dramatically underdiagnosed.
Tether Perinatal, a virtual private practice in Washington State, was built specifically to close that gap. Founded by a licensed mental health counselor and certified perinatal mental health specialist, Tether offers therapy and support across the full perinatal spectrum — from preconception through the first year after birth.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Perinatal depression doesn't always present as what most people picture when they think of depression. Symptoms vary widely, and can begin during pregnancy — not just after delivery. Common signs include:
• Persistent low mood, tearfulness, or emotional numbness
• Anxiety, panic attacks, or intrusive thoughts about harm
• Difficulty bonding with the baby, or feeling detached
• Exhaustion that goes beyond what sleep deprivation explains
• Irritability, rage, or feeling like you're "not yourself"
