Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Facts
One in seven women are diagnosed with postpartum depression.
It is the most common complication of pregnancy. Most women with a maternal mental illness never receive professional treatment for it.
Untreated depression and anxiety during pregnancy or in the first year postpartum can lead to negative long-term health in these mothers’ children.
Maternal mental illness is a serious public health problem. Women at high risk are 50% to 80% more likely to have PPD than those that are NOT high risk. High risk women reduce their chances to 10% if they get treatment during their pregnancy. It can affect ANY women regardless of age, race, or financial situation and has nothing to do with whether the pregnancy was planned!
Risk factors to know;
Family OR personal history of mood related illness (i.e. addiction, depression, panic attacks, anxiety)
Stressful life events around the time of birth
Poor system of support
Relationship/Marital problems
Women with severe PMS symptoms
Mood changes while taking birth control or fertility drugs
A prior episode of PPD, depressive and/or anxiety symptoms during pregnancy
The Warning Signs (after 3rd week postpartum)
Sad mood that does not shift
Irritability, angers easily
Expresses hopelessness
Expresses feelings of inadequacy “I am not a good mother”.
Sleep problems—too much or too little
Fear of being alone
Discomfort around the baby or lack of connection to the baby
Loss of interest or pleasure in things she once enjoyed
What to do when you recognize some of the warning signs:
Call your doctor or midwife. Tell them what you are experiencing.
Talk, talk, talk to anyone you trust that will listen and not judge you.
Get the help of a professional (therapist, counselor, social worker or psychologist) for emotional support and ways to cope. We can
help you find one.
For detailed list of symptoms of Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, OCD and Postpartum Psychosis, in plain mama English, please visit Postpartum Progress. Additional information can also be found at Postpartum Society International.
Life gets better and you are NOT alone!
It is the most common complication of pregnancy. Most women with a maternal mental illness never receive professional treatment for it.
Untreated depression and anxiety during pregnancy or in the first year postpartum can lead to negative long-term health in these mothers’ children.
Maternal mental illness is a serious public health problem. Women at high risk are 50% to 80% more likely to have PPD than those that are NOT high risk. High risk women reduce their chances to 10% if they get treatment during their pregnancy. It can affect ANY women regardless of age, race, or financial situation and has nothing to do with whether the pregnancy was planned!
Risk factors to know;
Family OR personal history of mood related illness (i.e. addiction, depression, panic attacks, anxiety)
Stressful life events around the time of birth
Poor system of support
Relationship/Marital problems
Women with severe PMS symptoms
Mood changes while taking birth control or fertility drugs
A prior episode of PPD, depressive and/or anxiety symptoms during pregnancy
The Warning Signs (after 3rd week postpartum)
Sad mood that does not shift
Irritability, angers easily
Expresses hopelessness
Expresses feelings of inadequacy “I am not a good mother”.
Sleep problems—too much or too little
Fear of being alone
Discomfort around the baby or lack of connection to the baby
Loss of interest or pleasure in things she once enjoyed
What to do when you recognize some of the warning signs:
Call your doctor or midwife. Tell them what you are experiencing.
Talk, talk, talk to anyone you trust that will listen and not judge you.
Get the help of a professional (therapist, counselor, social worker or psychologist) for emotional support and ways to cope. We can
help you find one.
For detailed list of symptoms of Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, OCD and Postpartum Psychosis, in plain mama English, please visit Postpartum Progress. Additional information can also be found at Postpartum Society International.
Life gets better and you are NOT alone!
