Becoming a parent is often described as one of life’s most joyful experiences. But what many new parents don’t expect is that joy can coexist with anxiety, sadness, irritability, or even despair. For many new parents, the flood of hormones, sleep deprivation, and life changes can bring on an abundance of feelings. These early emotions are often referred to as the "baby blues", and they affect up to 80% of new mothers. Thankfully, baby blues usually fade within two weeks.
But what happens when those feelings don’t go away or they get worse?
If you’re experiencing lingering or intense emotional distress after having a baby, you may be dealing with a Perinatal Mental Health Disorder (PMHD). PMHDs are the most common complications of childbirth, affecting up to 1 in 5 new moms and 1 in 10 new dads.
Let's explore what Perinatal Mental Health Disorders (PMHDs) are, how to spot the warning signs, who is at higher risk, and—most importantly—where to get support.
But what happens when those feelings don’t go away or they get worse?
If you’re experiencing lingering or intense emotional distress after having a baby, you may be dealing with a Perinatal Mental Health Disorder (PMHD). PMHDs are the most common complications of childbirth, affecting up to 1 in 5 new moms and 1 in 10 new dads.
Let's explore what Perinatal Mental Health Disorders (PMHDs) are, how to spot the warning signs, who is at higher risk, and—most importantly—where to get support.
What are PMHDs?
PMHDs (Perinatal Mental Health Disorders) include a range of mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy and up to a year postpartum. They include:
Who is at risk for PMHDs?
PMHDs can affect anyone, regardless of background. However, certain factors can increase vulnerability:
Some sobering statistics:
Warning Signs to Watch For
It's normal to feel emotionally sensitive or tearful in the days following birth. This is often referred to as the “baby blues” and typically resolves within 1–2 weeks. But when symptoms persist or intensify, it could be a sign of a PMHD. Here are some signs that what you're feeling might be more than just baby blues:
Emotional Symptoms:
Physical and Behavioral Symptoms:
If these symptoms last more than two weeks after birth, interfere with your daily functioning, or feel like they’re getting worse, it’s time to seek help.
What to Do Next: Steps Toward Healing
Please know that you are not weak and you are not alone if you are experiencing signs of a perinatal mental health disorder. Here's what you can do to seek help:
1. Talk to your healthcare provider- Let your OB/GYN, midwife, or primary care doctor know how you're feeling. They can screen you for PMHDs and connect you with mental health professionals.
2. Reach out to a therapist- Look for a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health. Many offer telehealth appointments, which can be especially helpful with a newborn.
3. Connect with support groups- Sometimes, talking to other parents who have been there can be incredibly healing. Peer support groups can reduce isolation and offer real-world advice.
4. Involve your partner or support system- Let those close to you know what you’re experiencing. They may be able to help with baby care, offer emotional support, or attend appointments with you.
5. Emergency support- If you're having thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby, seek emergency help immediately by calling emergency services or going to the nearest ER.
Resources for Support
Here are some trusted organizations offering help:
If you’re struggling right now, please know: this is not your fault. PMHDs can affect anyone, and with help, they do get better. You deserve support, healing, and peace during this chapter of parenthood. Take the first step. Help is waiting.
To learn more about PMHDs and the fourth trimester, sign up for my Postpartum Recovery Class.
PMHDs (Perinatal Mental Health Disorders) include a range of mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy and up to a year postpartum. They include:
- Postpartum Depression (PPD)
- Postpartum Anxiety
- Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Postpartum Bipolar Disorder
- Postpartum Psychosis (rare, but serious)
Who is at risk for PMHDs?
PMHDs can affect anyone, regardless of background. However, certain factors can increase vulnerability:
- History of mental health issues (depression, anxiety, etc.)
- Lack of social support
- Traumatic birth experience
- Complications during pregnancy or delivery
- Stressful life events (e.g., financial strain, relationship conflict)
- Sleep deprivation
- Previous PMHDs with earlier children
Some sobering statistics:
- Up to 1 in 5 women experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder.
- About 1 in 10 partners (non-birthing parents) will also experience postpartum depression.
- Postpartum psychosis, a rare but severe disorder, occurs in 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries.
Warning Signs to Watch For
It's normal to feel emotionally sensitive or tearful in the days following birth. This is often referred to as the “baby blues” and typically resolves within 1–2 weeks. But when symptoms persist or intensify, it could be a sign of a PMHD. Here are some signs that what you're feeling might be more than just baby blues:
Emotional Symptoms:
- Feeling persistently sad, hopeless, or empty
- Excessive worry or panic, especially about the baby
- Intense irritability or anger
- Feeling detached from your baby or like you're not bonding
- Guilt or shame about how you're feeling
- Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
Physical and Behavioral Symptoms:
- Difficulty sleeping (even when the baby sleeps)
- Changes in appetite
- Fatigue that feels overwhelming
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Racing thoughts or inability to relax
- Withdrawing from loved ones
If these symptoms last more than two weeks after birth, interfere with your daily functioning, or feel like they’re getting worse, it’s time to seek help.
What to Do Next: Steps Toward Healing
Please know that you are not weak and you are not alone if you are experiencing signs of a perinatal mental health disorder. Here's what you can do to seek help:
1. Talk to your healthcare provider- Let your OB/GYN, midwife, or primary care doctor know how you're feeling. They can screen you for PMHDs and connect you with mental health professionals.
2. Reach out to a therapist- Look for a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health. Many offer telehealth appointments, which can be especially helpful with a newborn.
3. Connect with support groups- Sometimes, talking to other parents who have been there can be incredibly healing. Peer support groups can reduce isolation and offer real-world advice.
4. Involve your partner or support system- Let those close to you know what you’re experiencing. They may be able to help with baby care, offer emotional support, or attend appointments with you.
5. Emergency support- If you're having thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby, seek emergency help immediately by calling emergency services or going to the nearest ER.
Resources for Support
Here are some trusted organizations offering help:
- Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Call or text the PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773 (EN) or 1-971-203-7773 (Text) - National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746)
Free, 24/7 support in English and Spanish - Therapy for Black Girls
Mental health support for Black women and girls - The Blue Dot Project
Awareness and community around maternal mental health - Your Insurance Provider’s Directory
Many plans now cover perinatal mental health services. Check their mental health or behavioral health listings.
If you’re struggling right now, please know: this is not your fault. PMHDs can affect anyone, and with help, they do get better. You deserve support, healing, and peace during this chapter of parenthood. Take the first step. Help is waiting.
To learn more about PMHDs and the fourth trimester, sign up for my Postpartum Recovery Class.
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