What You Need To Know About These 5 Perinatal Mental Health Problems

It’s critical to understand the risk factors and symptoms of common perinatal mental health problems as a new mom.

Or better yet, be fully prepared what to expect before you give birth.

That way, it’s much easier for you to identify what you’re experiencing and get the help you need more easily.

Plus, important new information has been discovered about them in recent years.

We’re going to cover all that today, thanks to the help from my friend, Kelly Rodriguez.

She’s a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who owns her own practice in California and also does telehealth in Florida.

Kelly is a mom of two who experienced some mental health struggles of her own after having her kids.

So she understands first-hand how important it is for women to have someone on their side who understand what they are going through.

In fact, she said even as a therapist she had a hard time identifying what was going on after experiencing a traumatic birth that triggered anxiety for her.

That’s when she decided to further specialize in perinatal mental health.

What are perinatal problems?

First, a definition. The term “perinatal” refers to the period starting during pregnancy and historically ending a year after giving birth. 

But the interesting thing is, Kelly says some of the conditions we’re going to discuss today can start when you’re trying to conceive.

This is clears up the major misconception that perinatal mental health problems can only crop up in the first few months after having a baby.

That’s just not true!

Important info alert: There’s also new information concluding that they can actually present themselves up to three years after giving birth.

What we’re talking about are technically called Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs).

And 1/5 women will experience one of these at one time or another. But experts say that number is low since so much of this goes unreported.

The list of PMADS includes:

• Perinatal / Postpartum Depression (PPD)
• Perinatal / Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Postpartum Psychosis

Keep reading, I promise I’ll touch on all of these before we’re done here.

What are the risk factors of perinatal mental health problems?

This is where things get interesting again.

Beyond pregnant women and new/newish moms, even dads and adoptive parents can be affected by these issues.

Statistics say, you are more at risk for one of these if:

• You or your family has a history of mental health disorders
• You have problems in your relationship
• Your baby was unplanned
• You have complications getting pregnant
• You have miscarried in the past

Not having a strong support system in place can also intensify these problems.

So what are the baby blues?

According to Kelly, 70-80% of women experience what are called the baby blues.

Symptoms include:

• Feeling overwhelmed
• Experiencing mood swings
• Feeling like you “can’t do this”
• Being teary
• Having changes in appetite, energy level, and/or sleeping patterns

It can start a few days after birth. And it goes away on its own within 2-3 weeks.

These feelings are caused by all the hormonal, mental, physical, and routine changes experienced after giving birth.

And you should know this can happen any time to any mom, and can hit you with any kid. 

How do you know when it’s baby blues versus something more?

If your symptoms are frequent and intense, stick around longer than 2-3 weeks, or get in the way of caring for yourself or your baby, it’s time to get help.

Remember: It’s normal to feel tired as a new mom. But if you can’t function or get through the day, that’s a major indicator that it’s something serious.

Signs and symptoms of PMADs.

Now let’s get into each of the common PMADs and how you know you’re experiencing them.

What you need to know about Perinatal Depression:

Postpartum depression is the most common PMAD.

There are a lot of potential symptoms including:

• Ongoing intense sadness
• Lack of motivation
• Numbness or the inability to express emotion
• Difficulty bonding with baby
• Mood swings and irritability
• Isolating yourself
• Changes to sleeping patterns and/or appetite
• Physical things like body aches and tensions, upset stomach, dizziness, headaches
• Feeling overwhelmed by daily things
• Worrying a lot, feeling on edge, feelings of inadequacy
• So called “mom rage” or being short-tempered
• Not enjoying things you used to enjoy
• Intrusive thoughts

Something else to point out is you may feel like everyone else has mom-ing down except you, or feel like this is going to last forever.

Another important distinction is that this doesn’t necessarily present as crying all the time.

You may appear to be happy to the outside world but have an internal battle going on.

The fact that it can be hard to ask for help is one reason postpartum depression often goes unreported.

What you need to know about Perinatal Anxiety:

Postpartum anxiety can appear on it’s own or be tied in with postpartum depression.

Symptoms include:

• Constant worry that affects what you do and is hard to control
• Creating a rigid schedule with no flexibility
• Trying to control everything
• Feeling extremely overwhelmed
• You can experience mom rage if you have unmet needs that are too difficult to express
• Not enjoying things you used to enjoy
• Intrusive thoughts

Identifying Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder:

This can also be tied to anxiety or present on its own.

Symptoms include:

• Obsessive thoughts about your baby
• Creating strict routines
• Avoiding places or doing certain things because you’re afraid bad things are going to happen
• Not enjoying things you used to enjoy
• Repetitive, unwanted thoughts
• Compulsive behaviors

Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:

When mothers have pregnancy complications, fertility issues, traumatic birth experiences, unplanned C-sections, or previous life traumas, they can experience post traumatic stress disorder.

Symptoms include:

• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Detachment
• Irritability
• Difficulty sleeping

Symptoms Postpartum Psychosis:

Severe insomnia can be a huge trigger of something called postpartum psychosis.

Symptoms include:

• Thoughts of harming yourself or someone else
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Paranoia
• Drastic and rapid mood swings

RELATED READING: If you’re experiencing postpartum insomnia, you’re not alone! Check out my 10 life-changing tips to get your Zzzzs back.

How do you get help for perinatal mental health problems?

The good news is that all the PMADs are treatable. There is help and you do not need to suffer alone.

If you are experiencing frequent or intense symptoms like any of the ones mentioned above that are getting in the way of your living your life, please ask for help.

You can start by talking to someone you trust. And make sure to ask your family doctor to be evaluated.

There are many options for treatment including support groups, therapy, and medication or a combination of these.

Isolating intensifies everything so be sure to connect with other moms, too!

Why is perinatal mental health important?

As another licenced therapist I interviewed put this, if kids have happy parents, they are happier, too.

So building a support system for yourself and seeking help when you need it will keep your entire family happier and healthier.

And not just that, but remember: You are still the same woman you were before you had kids.

You have your own wants and needs, even as a mom. And they even more important to meet now, so you don’t feel totally burned out.

Please remember: if you are facing a PMAD, it is important to get treatment.

Because if you don’t, your symptoms will likely continue and can even get worse over time.

What can you do to help minimize the potential for perinatal mental health problems?

Kelly said whether you’re still pregnant or already a new mom, it’s important to check in with yourself about the expectations you have about motherhood.

When you have overly high expectations, it’s easier to become overwhelmed.

It’s better to accept the way you feel and any complicated feelings you may have.

For example: Even if you had a hard time getting pregnant or struggled with fertility, you can still be grateful while acknowledging that motherhood is difficult.

Also, set yourself up with a toolbox of resources ahead of time.

This means educating yourself and creating a support system of people you trust who you can reach out to.

And ask them to proactively check in on you, too!

Sometimes, it’s easier for other people to notice a difference in you than for you to ask for help on your own.

And finally, if you do reach out for help to a loved one or even a doctor, and you don’t feel heard or understood. Don’t give up.

Keep trying until you find someone who helps you get what you need. Keep reading for some helpful resources.

Remember: You are not alone. You deserve to feel well. This is not your fault. And there is help! 

Here’s where to get additional support for perinatal mental health problems.

• Follow Kelly for more helpful info on Instagram
• Check out her Facebook
• If you’re in Florida or California, reach out to work with Kelly here
• Find therapists, specialists, and support groups: Postpartum Support International (PSI)
• Telehealth counseling, consultation, education & support: TheMotherhoodCenter.com
• Maternal mental health podcast: Mom And Mind

Overwhelmed by everything on your to do list?

Get this handy free guide with 6 Mama Hacks to help you get back some of your precious time. That way, you can spend it on what really matters. Like bonding with your kiddos and having your own needs met again!

-B

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