Tides + Light Mental Wellness

03/31/2026

Many women notice changes in focus, memory, and organization during perimenopause.

For some, ADHD symptoms may feel more intense.
For others, these challenges may show up for the first time.

This can look like:

• increased distractibility
• forgetfulness
• difficulty starting or finishing tasks
• feeling mentally scattered or overwhelmed
• trouble keeping up with daily responsibilities

Hormonal fluctuations — especially changes in estrogen — can affect how the brain regulates attention, memory, and executive functioning.

If something feels different, it’s worth paying attention to.

Understanding what’s changing is the first step toward finding the right kind of support.

—
Tides + Light Mental Wellness
Thoughtful psychiatric care for women

03/31/2026

03/30/2026

The perinatal period — pregnancy through the first year after birth — is a time of significant physical and emotional change.

Research shows that about 1 in 5 women experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD) during this time.

These conditions can include:

• depression
• anxiety
• perinatal OCD
• panic symptoms
• trauma-related symptoms after birth

Symptoms may begin during pregnancy or anytime in the first year postpartum.

When mental health conditions go unrecognized or untreated, they can have serious consequences for parents, children, and families.

Maternal health research has also shown that mental health conditions, including su***de and overdose, are among the leading causes of death in the first year postpartum.

This is one reason why awareness, screening, and access to care during the perinatal period are so important.

With the right support and treatment, many people recover and feel like themselves again.

—
Tides + Light Mental Wellness

03/29/2026

That feeling when Sunday afternoon turns into Sunday evening… and the week ahead starts to feel heavy.

The “Sunday Scaries” are something many people experience.

They can show up as:

• a sense of dread about the week ahead
• racing thoughts about responsibilities
• difficulty relaxing, even when you have time
• irritability or low mood
• trouble falling asleep Sunday night

For some, it’s mild and passes quickly.
For others, it can feel more intense — especially during stressful seasons of life or work.

Sometimes this feeling is your mind trying to prepare, anticipate, or regain a sense of control.

But it can also be a sign that something in your current routine or workload is feeling overwhelming.

You don’t have to eliminate the feeling completely — but small shifts can help.

More support, more structure, and more awareness of what’s contributing can make Sundays feel a little lighter.

—
Tides + Light Mental Wellness
Thoughtful psychiatry for women

03/28/2026

Social anxiety is more than just feeling shy.

It’s a persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or negatively evaluated in social or performance situations.

For many people, it can look like:

• overthinking conversations before or after they happen
• worrying about saying the “wrong” thing
• avoiding social situations or networking events
• feeling physically anxious (racing heart, sweating, nausea)
• replaying interactions long after they’re over

Social anxiety can be especially challenging in environments that expect constant interaction — workplaces, social gatherings, or even everyday conversations.

It’s also more common than many people realize.

With the right support, social anxiety is very treatable.
And over time, it’s possible to feel more comfortable and confident in social spaces.

—
Tides + Light Mental Wellness
Thoughtful psychiatric care for women

03/27/2026

Many people have heard of adolescence — the developmental transition from childhood to adulthood.

Matrescence is the transition into motherhood.

It is a period of profound change that can affect:

• identity
• relationships
• priorities
• career
• sleep and physical health
• emotional wellbeing

Just like adolescence, matrescence can involve growth, uncertainty, joy, and vulnerability all at once.

Many women are surprised by how much they change during this time.

Understanding matrescence can help normalize the complexity of the perinatal period and remind women that what they’re experiencing is part of a real developmental transition.

You are not expected to move through it alone.

—
Tides + Light Mental Wellness

03/27/2026

Laughter does more than lift your mood for a moment.

Research shows that laughter can:

• reduce stress hormones
• increase endorphins
• improve mood
• strengthen social connection
• help the body relax

Even brief moments of humor or shared laughter can help shift our nervous system out of a constant stress response.

It’s not a cure for anxiety, depression, or burnout — but small moments of joy and connection can make a meaningful difference in how we feel.

At Tides + Light, we often talk about the tides that naturally rise and fall in life.

But the light matters too.

Moments of laughter, connection, and joy are often part of what help us move through the harder seasons.

—
Tides + Light Mental Wellness
Thoughtful psychiatric care for women

03/26/2026

We spend so much time preparing for labor, delivery, and the baby’s arrival…

…but far less time thinking about what you will need in the weeks after.

Postpartum can be beautiful.
It can also be exhausting, disorienting, and emotionally intense.

Some things worth planning ahead:

• Who can help with meals or groceries?
• Can you build in extra support (family, doula, cleaning help)?
• What will sleep look like—for you?
• Who are your mental health supports if things feel harder than expected?
• What expectations can you let go of?

You don’t have to wait until you’re struggling to deserve support.

Planning for postpartum isn’t pessimistic—
it’s thoughtful, protective, and caring.

✨ At Tides + Light, in addition to medication management, postpartum planning is part of the work—
not something we wait to think about after baby arrives.

If you’re expecting and want support that includes you, you’re welcome here.

03/25/2026

OCD and ADHD are different conditions, but they can sometimes overlap or be mistaken for one another.

ADHD often involves challenges with attention, organization, and impulsivity.

OCD involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals intended to reduce distress.

At times, certain experiences may look similar. For example:

• difficulty focusing
• getting stuck on thoughts
• trouble completing tasks
• feeling mentally overwhelmed

However, the underlying reasons can be quite different.

In OCD, repetitive behaviors are often driven by intrusive thoughts and anxiety.

In ADHD, difficulties are usually related to executive functioning and attention regulation.

Some individuals experience both conditions, which can affect how symptoms show up and how treatment is approached.

Understanding these differences can help guide more thoughtful and effective care.

—
Tides + Light Mental Wellness

03/25/2026

Weight changes can be a concern for some people starting psychiatric medications.

While many medications are weight neutral, others may increase appetite or affect metabolism.

It’s important to know that experiences vary widely from person to person.

Some factors that can contribute include:

• increased appetite
• changes in metabolism
• improvements in mood that restore appetite
• decreased energy or activity levels
• individual biological differences

Medication decisions are always about balancing benefits and potential side effects.

If weight changes occur, it’s important to talk openly with your clinician. In many cases there are options — including adjusting medications, changing doses, or addressing lifestyle factors that may help.

At Tides + Light Mental Wellness, treatment decisions are collaborative and individualized, with careful attention to both mental and physical wellbeing.

03/24/2026

After a pregnancy loss, a new pregnancy can bring both hope and anxiety.

Many people describe:

• feeling afraid to get attached
• worrying before appointments
• difficulty trusting that things will be okay

These responses are common and understandable.

Pregnancy after loss often involves holding both hope and uncertainty at the same time.

Support can make a meaningful difference during this season.