Our Blog: Upward Alabama

Postpartum Mental Health

By Katherine Cofer, Ph.D.

Postpartum

Anxiety Depression Postpartum Health Treatment

Posted: May 15, 2026

The postpartum period can be a time of joy, excitement, and wonder, right alongside frustration, isolation, and exhaustion. While there are mental health challenges that can arise during the prepartum period, the changes experienced after that little bundle of joy arrives can be dramatic in terms of physical differences, routine changes, role adjustments, financial stress, and many other elements. These combine to create a space that leaves many women vulnerable to new or worsening mental health symptoms.

Pregnancy and Mental Health

By Katherine Cofer, Ph.D.

Pregnancy Transitions

Anxiety Depression Sleep

Posted: February 27, 2026

Pregnancy is a time of excitement and joy for many people. It comes with anticipation and celebration of new things. However, it is also a significant stressor as life can change dramatically in just a few months. Maintaining good physical and mental health are critical during this time. There is an increase in mental health conditions during pregnancy for some people due to myriad factors. Understanding not only what can happen to mental health during pregnancy, but also what can be done about it is vitally important.

Supportive Parenting of Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)

By Misti Norton, Ph.D., DBSM

Children

OCD Anxiety

Posted: July 31, 2025

What can you do when your child won’t earnestly participate in therapy? Many parents are surprised to learn that SPACE training for parents can make a drastic difference in their child’s anxiety or OCD symptoms, even though the child may not attend the therapy at all! That’s because parents have such a powerful impact on their child’s understanding of the world and how they can handle situations.