The Supported Mama
Empowered Safe Heard
Perinatal
Mood &
Anxiety
Disorders
Many mothers express feeling like they've lost themselves after baby – there are new emotions, worries, and thoughts they just can’t get rid of. This is very common in the first 2 weeks after birth- commonly known as the “baby blues.” However, for some new mothers (or partners), this feeling of overwhelm does not go away. If this is the case, you may be experiencing a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD).
While postpartum depression is the most talked about PMAD, it is not the only one. Perinatal emotional distress can be experienced in different ways and at different levels. Each mother is unique in her experiences, biology and circumstances and, therefore, experiences a PMAD in a unique way.
If you find yourself experiencing any of the symptoms below, it may be time to reach out for help.
PMADs are the most common complication of pregnancy, impacting 1 in 4 pregnant/postpartum mothers.
Postpartum
Depression
-
Sadness and guilt
-
Irritability and anger
-
Difficulties bonding with baby
-
Exhaustion
-
Difficulties sleeping and eating
-
Intrusive negative thoughts
about
Postpartum
Depression
Up to 15% of perinatal women
Anxiety
-
Constant worrying
-
Difficulties sleeping and eating
-
Physical symptoms
-
Intrusive negative thoughts
about
Anxiety
Up to 10% of perinatal women
Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder
(OCD)
-
Behaviors that reduce distress triggered by obsessions
-
Irritability and anger
-
Difficulties bonding with baby
-
Unwanted intrusive thoughts
about
OCD
Up to 5% of perinatal women
Panic
Disorder
-
Physical symptoms: palpitations, dizziness, chest pains
-
Constant worrying, fear of ‘going crazy’
-
Intrusive negative thoughts
about
Panic
Disorder
Up to 5% of perinatal women
Posttraumatic
Stress
Disorder
(PTSD)
-
Traumatic experience
-
Avoidance of trauma-related thoughts or feelings
-
Mood disturbance, physical arousal
-
Intrusive negative thoughts
about
PTSD
Up to 10% of perinatal women
Seleni Institute: Maternal Mental Health Intensive- Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders training
Reference: Seleni Institute- Maternal Mental Health Intensive: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders training