Managing Mental Health During NICU Stay: A Parent’s Journey

30-year-old Emily, a new mother from California, discusses the overwhelming emotional and mental health challenges she’s facing while her newborn is in the NICU. Emily expresses feelings of isolation, anxiety, and guilt due to COVID-related visitation restrictions and the stress of caring for her medically fragile baby. Dr. Lisa Harris, a licensed clinical psychologist, uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) to help Emily manage her thoughts, stay connected to her baby, and find ways to care for herself. The session focuses on coping strategies, self-compassion, and building a support system.

  • Member: Emily, 35 year old female, California

  • Therapist: Dr. Harris, a licensed psychologist

Key Takeaways

  • CBT helps Emily address negative thought patterns and feelings of guilt.

  • Mindfulness exercises support staying grounded in the present moment.

  • Dr. Harris emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and asking for help.

  • Building a support system, even remotely, is key to emotional well-being.

Focus Areas

  • Anxiety & Stress

  • Parenting & Family Life

  • Mental Health & Emotional Well-being

  • Mindfulness & Present Awareness

  • Trauma

  • Depression & Sadness

  • Emotional Regulation

  • New mother, post partum depression