The perinatal period can hold so much at once—change, responsibility, uncertainty, exhaustion, and deep emotional shifts. In this reflection, Kiler Wilson, LPC, CCTP, explores the importance of recognizing when everyday overwhelm may be becoming something more and reminds us that support does not have to begin at a breaking point.

When Overwhelm Becomes Something More

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This month can serve as a reminder for all of us to check in on the people we love and those in our communities. It can also remind us that seeking support does not have to wait until someone is in crisis.

We are often unaware of the mental and emotional load the people in our lives are carrying. This can be especially true for women during the perinatal period—a time that can bring significant physical, emotional, relational, and life changes.

“Struggling does not mean you are failing as a mother.”

— Kiler Wilson, LPC, CCTP

For women in this phase of life, feeling overwhelmed is common. There are new responsibilities, shifting identities, sleep disruption, changing relationships, and often an immense amount of pressure to care for everyone else while continuing to function ourselves.

But when does normal overwhelm become something more?

This month, I want to focus on perinatal mental health and help bring awareness to some of the signs that overwhelm, anxiety, depression, or emotional distress may be becoming too much.

Some Important Reminders

♡ You don't have to wait until you're in crisis to ask for help.
♡ Struggling does not mean you are failing as a mother.
♡ Mental health concerns don't always look like sadness—sometimes they look like irritability, anger, anxiety, numbness, isolation, or feeling constantly overwhelmed.
♡ Checking in on someone can be as simple as asking, “How are you really doing?” and creating space for an honest answer.
♡ If you are concerned about someone, don't be afraid to ask directly about how they're feeling or whether they're having thoughts of hurting themselves. Asking does not put the idea in someone's head—it can open the door to getting help.

Notice. Ask. Listen.
We don't always know what someone is carrying. Sometimes, simply noticing, asking, and listening can make a meaningful difference.

Support is not something we should have to earn by reaching a breaking point.

Kiler Wilson, LPC, CCTP is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional at Village Center for Holistic Therapy. She works with adults, families, and children ages 10 and older, with specialties including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, infertility, and the emotional challenges that can come with major life transitions. Her approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and grounded in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients to explore what they’re experiencing.
To learn more about Kiler or to connect with The Village about scheduling, visit her Villagetherapy.org/kiler or call at 412-455-6890.

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