Mental Health Awareness

What Are Some of the Different Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders?

• Baby Blues: In the first 2 to 3 days after childbirth some patients may begin to feel depressed, angry with the new baby or partner, have trouble sleeping, and question their ability to care for a new baby. Symptoms often come and go and usually resolve on their own within 1 to 2 weeks without treatment. Symptoms that persist beyond two weeks or worsen may indicate postpartum depression. 
• Postpartum Depression: Intense feelings of sadness, anxiety that may interfere with your ability to care for yourself and your baby. This usually starts in the first few weeks after delivery, and may last up to a year after childbirth. 
• Perinatal Anxiety: Can involve feelings of intense worry about your health, delivery, parenting, and your child’s wellbeing. 
• Other conditions: Bipolar disorder, ADHD, psychosis, substance use disorders. 

Are there Treatments for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders?

You and your healthcare provider will come up with a plan that is best for you. The treatments might include: 

• Individual Psychotherapy: Referral to a therapist that can use different approaches depending on symptoms and goals of care. 
• Medicine Management: there are a number of different medications such as anti-depressants that are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 
• Referral to Other Services: There are different community resources such as support groups, or social services resources that may provide relief.

• Referrals for Your Partner: Sometimes partners experience anxiety or depression as it related to a pregnancy and we will help support finding them resources that can help.