The moment I found out I was pregnant, I understood that my husband and I would face a myriad of parenting choices once our baby arrived. Some decisions would be trivial, like whether our little one should wear the bunny or rainbow outfit for the journey home from the hospital. Others, however, would carry more weight—such as how to respond if my baby lost too much weight in their first week of life.
Yet, the most daunting choice I’ve encountered in the two years since becoming a parent has been how to manage my anxiety. At 29, long before I was pregnant, I received a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) while undergoing treatment for alcohol use disorder. During my initial therapy session, my therapist identified my excessive drinking as a coping mechanism and subsequently diagnosed me with GAD.
Looking back, I realize I had been grappling with anxiety for as long as I could remember. Growing up in a Latino family, discussions surrounding mental health were virtually nonexistent, leaving me unaware of my condition until it began to severely disrupt my life. Reflecting on this, I feel fortunate to have sought professional help. Research indicates that only 34 percent of individuals in the Latinx community experiencing psychological disorders reach out to mental health professionals, compared to 45 percent of the national average.
Things improved significantly after I got sober and began attending therapy regularly. Over time, I discovered various coping methods that worked for me—lighting my favorite candle, sipping citrus lavender tea, journaling, coloring, cooking, reading, and cuddling with my pets all became instrumental in alleviating stress.
After a few years, I learned I was pregnant, but unfortunately, I suffered a pregnancy loss shortly thereafter. Although I was able to become pregnant again a few months later, my anxiety levels surged. It was then that I recognized the need for additional support.
On the day my son was born, I made the decision to begin medication for my anxiety. I knew that prioritizing my mental health was essential not only for my well-being but for being the best parent possible.
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In summary, my journey into parenthood has been deeply intertwined with my mental health challenges. Starting medication on the day my son was born marked a significant step in ensuring I could be the best parent I could be, and it has led me to embrace the importance of prioritizing mental health alongside parenting.