Pregnancy and new parenthood bring tremendous change—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. While these changes are often beautiful, they can also be overwhelming.
If you or a loved one in the Harrisonburg area is struggling emotionally during pregnancy or after giving birth, know that you’re not alone—and support is available.
At Stillpoint Integrative Psychiatry, we offer compassionate, individualized care for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). This includes depression, anxiety, panic, intrusive thoughts, and emotional instability during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
What sets us apart? Our approach blends the best of psychiatric medicine, nutritional support, and holistic wellness—always tailored with deep respect for this delicate chapter in a parent’s life.
What Are PMADs?
PMADs encompass a spectrum of emotional and psychological challenges that can arise during pregnancy or postpartum, including:
Postpartum depression
Perinatal anxiety or panic attacks
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms
Bipolar episodes during the perinatal period
Birth-related PTSD
These are not signs of weakness or failure—they are common, treatable conditions. And while PMADs are medical in nature, treatment does not have to be one-size-fits-all.
An Integrative Approach to PMADs
At Stillpoint, we recognize that emotional wellness during pregnancy and postpartum involves more than just neurotransmitters. Your body’s nutrient stores, sleep quality, hormone balance, and spiritual or emotional supports all play a role.
Here’s how we approach treatment:
🌿 Natural & Nutritional Support
Omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA): Crucial for brain health and shown to reduce perinatal depression
Inositol: A gentle, well-studied supplement for anxiety and mood regulation that’s considered safe in pregnancy
Magnesium glycinate: Can calm the nervous system and support restful sleep
Saffron extract: Emerging evidence supports its use for mild-to-moderate perinatal depression—non-sedating and well-tolerated
Herbal allies like chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender for gentle mood support
Each of these options is selected carefully based on safety, evidence, and compatibility with your body’s unique needs.
💊 Safe Prescription Options When Needed
We understand that some parents benefit from medication, especially when symptoms are moderate to severe. When medications are considered, we prioritize:
Lowest effective doses
Medications with strong safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Regular monitoring and collaboration with your OB or midwife
Examples of commonly used medications with good perinatal safety profiles include sertraline (Zoloft) and buspirone. When anxiety or panic is more severe, we may also consider propranolol, a non-sedating beta-blocker, or low-dose trazodone to restore sleep without suppressing mood. For more information, please read our article on Navigating safe prescription options.
🧘♀️ Mind-Body Integration
We offer tools and coaching to help you restore your nervous system and reconnect with your inner calm, including:
Breathwork and grounding exercises
Acupuncture referrals for hormonal and emotional balance
Somatic awareness and mindfulness tools
Therapist collaborations and EMDR referrals when trauma is present
Why Harrisonburg Parents Choose Stillpoint
As a boutique psychiatric practice rooted in holistic healing, we spend the time to listen deeply, explore root causes, and work with you to find a treatment path that supports both you and your baby.
Whether you’re under the care of a midwife, OB/GYN, or doula, or navigating postpartum solo, we can partner with your support system to help you feel like yourself again.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If you’re in Harrisonburg, VA, or the surrounding Shenandoah Valley, and you’re ready to explore a gentle, integrative approach to PMAD recovery, we’re here to support you.
🌱 You don’t have to suffer through this chapter alone—and you don’t have to choose between medication and natural care. At Stillpoint, we believe in both. 🌱
Schedule your appointment today »
