Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Month

The month of May is Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Month and this blog shares important information on perinatal mental health to educate and inform the community. Therapy and Wellness Collective has several providers who serve those who may be coping with perinatal mental health and parenting issues. We encourage you to reach out if you have questions, need treatment, and/or would like to set up a consultation with a member of our team.

Email: info@therapyandwellnesscollective.com

What is Perinatal Mental Health?

The term “perinatal” refers to the period of time from conception through the first year after giving birth.

General Information on Perinatal Mood Issues

Perinatal mood disorders are more common than one might think. Studies suggest that up to 1 in 5 women experience some form of perinatal mood disorder during pregnancy or after childbirth. However, the actual prevalence may be higher due to underreporting and stigma surrounding mental health issues.

The symptoms of perinatal mood disorders can vary widely and may overlap with typical postpartum experiences. Common symptoms include persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, feelings of guilt or inadequacy, difficulty bonding with the baby, and intrusive thoughts.

What are perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD)?

Perinatal mood disorders refer to a spectrum of mental health conditions that occur during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth. While postpartum depression is perhaps the most well-known, perinatal anxiety, postpartum psychosis, and other mood disorders also fall under this umbrella. These disorders can affect any woman, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or cultural background.

What are the “Baby Blues” or PMAD?

The “baby blues” are common mental health challenge and affect 60-80% of new moms. Baby blues are caused by a combination of the hormone fluctuations that occur at the time of birth and acute sleep deprivation. Baby blues peak three to five days after delivery and can last two days to two weeks after birth. 

The symptoms of Baby blues and postpartum depression can look very similar. However, they vary in severity and intensity, timing, onset, and duration. If symptoms persist after two weeks postpartum, it is not the baby blues, and you should seek help from a medical and/or mental health provider.

What contributes to the development of PMAD?

Several factors contribute to the development of perinatal mood disorders, including hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, history of mental illness, lack of social support, traumatic childbirth experiences, and sleep deprivation. Recognizing these risk factors is crucial for early intervention and support.

Screening

In the US, you should be screened for prenatal and postpartum mental health issues by your medical provider. However, if you have concerns about your mental health that are not being addressed, seek help from your medical or mental health provider. To set up a consultation with our team email us at info@therapyandwellnesscollective.com

Fathers are not exempt from PMAD

Symptoms of depression in fathers tend to spike between three to six months postpartum. Rather than sadness, depressive symptoms in fathers may present as increased substance use, irritability, aggressiveness, and self-isolation. Research finds that men are more likely than woman to underreport the traditional symptoms of depression due to the cultural conceptions of masculinity imposed on and internalized by men. There is evidence of paternal perinatal hormone shifts which includes a decrease in testosterone, increase in cortisol, increase in estrogen, increase in prolactin/oxytocin (Saxbe et al, 2017). Men should also seek support needed for these mental health challenges.

Seek Support

There are many resources for new parents including:

• 9-1-1 for emergencies
• 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Line
• Support of Family and Friends
• Mental Health Providers in your Community including Therapy and Wellness Collective

For more information on Therapy and Wellness Collective, follow up on Instagram @collectivetherapyandwellness or check out our website therapyandwellnesscollective.com