Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression, Anxiety & other Mood Disorders (PMAD's)

The term Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) is an umbrella term that describes a range of emotional difficulties a person may experience during pregnancy and up to a year after childbirth (postpartum). These conditions are common, affecting up to 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men, and are highly treatable. While the "baby blues" are common and typically resolve on their own, PMADs are more serious and can significantly impact daily life.

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Pregnancy Mental Health

Mental health during pregnancy is a critical part of a healthy journey for both mother and baby. While this time is often anticipated with excitement, it can also bring about significant emotional challenges. Up to 20% of women may experience a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, that begins during pregnancy. These feelings are more than just "hormones" and can include symptoms like persistent sadness, extreme irritability, a sense of dread, or a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Risk factors can include a personal history of mental illness, high levels of stress, or a lack of social support. Engaging in therapy during pregnancy is not only a powerful form of treatment and prevention but can also be a vital part of your postpartum planning, helping you build resilience and prepare for the emotional and physical demands of new parenthood.

Postpartum Depression

Perinatal depression is a more severe and longer-lasting condition than the "baby blues." It can begin during pregnancy or anytime within the first year after giving birth. Symptoms often include a persistent feeling of sadness, tearfulness, irritability, and a loss of pleasure in activities you once enjoyed. Other signs may include significant changes in sleep and appetite, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and a lack of interest in the baby. In rare cases, there may be thoughts of harming yourself or the baby.

Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Postpartum OCD is a form of anxiety disorder that affects about 1-2% of new mothers. It is characterized by repetitive, unwanted, and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that are often very distressing and frightening. These obsessions are usually centered around the baby's safety, such as intrusive thoughts of harming the baby or a fear that something terrible will happen to them. To neutralize these thoughts, individuals may perform repetitive mental or behavioral rituals (compulsions). Examples include constant Googling to research illnesses, reassurance-seeking from partners or doctors, excessive checking on the baby, cleaning obsessively, or needing to arrange things in a specific way. It's important to note that these intrusive thoughts are not a sign of intent to harm the baby.

Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum anxiety is characterized by excessive and persistent worry that can feel overwhelming. People with postpartum anxiety may have racing thoughts, an intense sense of fear or dread, and feel that something bad is going to happen. This can also manifest as physical symptoms like a racing heart, dizziness, or shortness of breath. The constant worry can make it difficult to relax or even sleep, even when the baby is sleeping.

Postpartum Bipolar Disorder

Postpartum bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that can be a new diagnosis or a recurrence of a pre-existing condition, often triggered by the sleep deprivation and hormonal shifts following childbirth. People may have had previous episodes or a family history of bipolar disorder without realizing their personal risk. Symptoms are characterized by extreme mood swings that alternate between episodes of mania (or hypomania) and depression.Manic episodes may involve feeling extremely high, irritable, or energized, with racing thoughts and a need for very little sleep. Depressive episodes, on the other hand, are marked by a deep and persistent sadness, fatigue, a loss of pleasure in activities, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Unlike typical "baby blues," these mood changes are severe, often disrupting a person's ability to care for themselves and their baby.

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a mental health emergency that requires immediate medical attention. It is a distinct condition from other perinatal mood disorders and is characterized by a sudden change in a person's sense of reality. Symptoms can begin anytime within the first few weeks postpartum, and may include delusions (firmly held false beliefs), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), extreme agitation, confusion, paranoia, or a rapid cycling of moods. These psychotic episodes can come and go, making it difficult for the person experiencing them to recognize the change. Therefore, it is often family members and friends who first recognize the shift in behavior and help the person get the urgent care they need.

Does any of this sound familiar?

I am soooo exhausted

&
I can't fall asleep

Breastfeeding is amazing

I really wish someone else could feed my baby

I love being pregnant

I am terrified to be a mom

I am so in love with my baby
&
I miss my old life

My days are overwhelmingly busy

I feel bored and lonely

All I want is some time away from my baby

I feel so guilty and sad when I'm not there

I "should" be sleep training

&
I really don't want to

I want to do this by myself

I desperately wish I had more support

I love being a stay-at-home mom &

I am so jealous of my partner because they get to go to work

In therapy, you will have the space to process all of these overwhelming feelings without judgment. We will help you to adjust to the many ups and downs of motherhood.