Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders do not discriminate.  They can happen to ANYONE!  Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS)  have been identified in every culture, age, income level and ethnicity.  According to research, up to 1 in 5 moms, 1 in 10 dads/partners and 1 in 4 adoptive parents  will develop a PMAD.  Although the term Postpartum Depression is most often used, there is actually a spectrum of disorders that can affect moms (and dads/non gestational parents, surrogates, adoptive parents).  

PMAD stands for:

Perinatal: pregnancy to 1 year postpartum

Mood: depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis

Anxiety: generalized anxiety, Panic, OCD, PTSD

Disorder: Interferes with functioning and day-to-day life

The Baby Blues

-60-80% of new moms

-symptoms: tearfulness, emotional lability, worry, reactivity, exhaustion.  Predominantly happy, self esteem unchanged, unrelated to stress or prior psychiatric history

-due to hormone fluctuations at time of birth and acute sleep deprivation

-usually peaks 3-5 days after delivery

If it lasts beyond 2 weeks it's not the baby blues!

when symptoms last more than 2 weeks and affect daily functioning, they may be indicative of a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder.  Seek help from your loved ones, doctor, obstetrician, midwife, NP, family doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist to make a plan together to help you get well.  It's important to remember "It's not your fault.  You are not to blame.  With help, you will be well" (postpartum support international)

Do you often feel:

-a lack of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

-disconnected  from your baby

-very tired or have an unusual abundance of energy

-sad most of the time, tearful

-nervous, anxious/worried, on edge

-panicky

-scared

--angry, restless, irritable

-worthless, ashamed, guilty

-numb, empty

-hopeless, frustrated

-Isolated, alone

Are you having trouble with:

-sleeping/eating (too much or not enough)? Unable to fall asleep/stay asleep (not related to baby care)

-concentration

-taking care of yourself or baby

-enjoying time with baby or family

-coping with day to day tasks

-breastfeeding

-having scary or intrusive thoughts or dreams

-Thinking bad things may happen to you or your baby

-repeatedly checking things (ex: baby's breathing)?

-crying for no apparent reason

-thinking that you are not a good mother

Seek help right away if you are:

-Thinking your family would be better off without you

-Contemplating death or suicide

-thinking about hurting yourself or your baby

-hearing/seeing things that others don't

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency please contact the mental health crisis line (Windsor-Essex) 519-973-4435, mental health helpline (Ontario) 1-866-531-2600, Canadian Suicide Crisis line 988, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room!