Physical Health Is Mental Health — Why Whole-Person Care Matters in Motherhood

This article was written by our friends at Seven Starling. Clinically reviewed by Liz Miracle, PT, MSPT, WCS.

From pelvic floor symptoms to postpartum pain, the physical demands of pregnancy and recovery are no small thing. But what’s often overlooked is how those physical experiences impact mental health. 

At Seven Starling, we provide evidence-based mental health care for women navigating fertility, miscarriage and loss, pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood. Our support includes individual and group therapy, medication management, and education and screening, all from providers who specialize in perinatal care. We’re committed to making care accessible, with both commercial and Medicaid insurance accepted in many states.

We know that emotional wellness is deeply connected to the body. Anxiety, depression, irritability, and overwhelm are often fueled by pain, fatigue, trauma, or simply the daily toll of being in a changing body. That’s why we believe whole-person care is essential — because physical and mental health are two sides of the same coin.

The Link Between Physical and Emotional Wellbeing 

The connection between physical and mental health isn’t just a feeling — it’s a clinical reality. Physical symptoms, especially those that come with pregnancy and postpartum recovery, can be a major driver of emotional distress.

Here’s what the research shows:

• Chronic pain is closely tied to depression and anxiety, often creating a feedback loop where both worsen over time. (1)

• Up to 65% of people with depression report physical pain as a primary symptom — yet these symptoms often go unrecognized as part of the mental health picture. (2)

• In the postpartum period, pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and pain are linked to significantly higher rates of postpartum depression. (3)

The Reverse is Also True

Mental health challenges don’t just affect your thoughts — they show up in your body, too. 

• Depression can cause fatigue, sleep issues, and changes in appetite and weight. Many people experience physical aches and pains as part of their symptoms. (4)

• Anxiety can lead to muscle tension, headaches, and nausea, and can even increase sensitivity to pain. (1)

• Chronic stress can disrupt nearly every system in the body — from sleep to digestion, cardiovascular health, immunity, and more. (5)

How Seven Starling Supports the Full Picture of Care

At Seven Starling, we provide evidence-based mental health care designed specifically for women who are experiencing Anxiety, Depression, or Trauma throughout…

✓ Fertility challenges

✓Pregnancy

✓Pregnancy loss and miscarriage

✓Postpartum and early parenthood

Our offering includes personalized individual and group therapy, as well as medication management — all delivered by providers who specialize in perinatal mental health. To make care as accessible as possible, we accept both commercial and Medicaid insurance in many states including Anthem, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and United Healthcare.

The Results: Mental Health Outcomes That Make a Difference

And we’re proud to provide care that’s proven to work — because quality care should lead to real, meaningful results.

Here’s what we’ve seen:

• Over 90% of our members report improved symptoms
• 97% share that the time spent with their therapist was beneficial 
• Treated thousands of women across 18 states 

(Source: Seven Starling 2025 White Paper)

When paired with trusted partners like Origin, we can help women feel whole again — in body and mind. 

Interested in learning more? 

Start by scheduling a free consultation with our team. We’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you check your insurance coverage — making it easier for you to get the support you deserve. 

‍Book your consultation today and use code ‘Origin’ to receive your first membership month free!

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Sources: 

1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/the-pain-anxiety-depression-connection
2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/pain-anxiety-and-depression
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5834372/
4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/physical-symptoms-of-depression-can-depression-contribute-to-pain
5. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
6. Seven Starling White Paper