Therapy offers relief for parents facing stress, anxiety - Expert

SHAH ALAM - Therapy helps individuals resolve issues, leading to a more stable and less stressful parenting journey.

According to psychologists, it also aids in addressing fears and anxieties related to childbirth and parenthood.

Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology president Joel Low highlighted that therapy allowed parents to navigate the parenting journey with coherence, equanimity and minimal burden.

"I believe therapy is incredibly valuable because it helps individuals become aware of and confront their personal baggage.

"As the saying goes, 'I don’t want to repeat my parents’ mistakes when I become a parent,' but it’s easier said than done.

"We are shaped by our upbringing, and if we aren’t aware of the baggage we carry and don’t address it, we’re likely to repeat those patterns," he said in a recent interview.

Low also emphasised that pregnancy triggered numerous hormonal and physiological changes in women, along with postpartum challenges that can be very demanding.

He reiterated that therapy provides new mothers with the tools to navigate these challenges effectively.

He stressed the importance of managing expectations and practicing self-compassion and advised prospective parents to enter parenthood understanding that perfection was unattainable and that no one knows everything, which could be a source of relief.

He also suggested reflecting on one's own upbringing and recalling moments when parents were less than perfect.

By doing so, he said individuals might realise that imperfections were part of life and trust that children are resilient enough to handle occasional mistakes.

Low highlighted that lowering anxiety levels could lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

"Critical signs to watch for include noticing any significant changes.

“For instance, if a new parent starts withdrawing socially, experiences notable shifts in their interactions with the world or finds it challenging to function as they did before, these are indications that they may be struggling and would benefit from assistance," he added.

In the meantime, International Islamic University of Malaysia associate professor Dr Hijaz Ridzwan stressed the significance of preparing for counselling and therapy to address fears and anxieties about childbirth and parenthood.

He said that relationship support could strengthen relationships by enhancing communication and conflict-resolution skills.

Additionally, he said that managing mental health provides tools to cope with stress, anxiety, and potential postpartum depression.

“I would recommend strategies such as mindfulness and relaxation techniques including deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and yoga to effectively manage stress.

“Other than that, joining parenting support groups for emotional support and sharing experiences as well as seeking guidance from mental health professionals if feelings of anxiety or overwhelm persist,” he said when contacted recently.

Hijaz also highlighted the significance of time management, prioritising tasks and setting realistic goals to prevent burnout.

He also cautioned individuals to be vigilant for warning signs to prevent situations from worsening.

He advised monitoring for persistent sadness, which could manifest alongside symptoms such as loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities.

“Other signs to watch for include severe fatigue or insomnia despite rest opportunities, high levels of irritability or anxiety, difficulty bonding with the baby and thoughts of self-harm or harm to the baby,” he added.

Hijaz also advised people to seek help by speaking up about any concerning symptoms to healthcare providers. He recommended engaging in therapy or counselling tailored for postpartum depression, relying on support systems such as family, friends, and support groups for assistance and understanding, and consulting with a doctor about the potential need for medication.