ABSTRACT
This chapter starts by reviewing common responses to scary thoughts that do not actually help but can sometimes increase distress, such as denial, thought suppression, and panic. Then, it highlights a range of interventions that perinatal women can try on their own to decrease their distress, including distraction, self-care, journaling, and relaxation exercises. Case examples are included throughout the chapter to illustrate several strategies. Additional self-help materials, such as support groups and light therapy, are also reviewed to provide the reader with up-to-date information. The goal of this chapter is to empower mothers in distress to begin to take action to cope on their own.
