What are perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD)?
Mood changes can occur during pregnancy or postpartum. Symptom can begin during pregnancy and anytime up to one year after birth. Typically, if the symptoms are present for two weeks or more, it may be more than the “baby blues”. PMADs affects 20% of perinatal women.
Common symptoms of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders:
- Anger/Irritability
- Anxiety
- Out of control
- Scare/Disconnected
- Like I’m a bad mother
- Powerless/Helpless
- Like I’m never going to feel like myself again
- Like no one understands
- No patience
Feelings and thoughts of guilt, blame, or inadequacy often make people feel worse. You may even start think you’re not being a good mother or partner.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are treatable. You will get through this. You are not alone.
Therapy for pregnancy and postpartum moods and having a good support system is crucial in getting through this time. I can help you manage and understand what is happening for you, as well as help you develop perspective and skills to get you back to feeling like yourself and engaged in your family.