Are you currently pregnant or have recently given birth?  The transition to parenthood can be difficult—filled with moments that are both amazing a terrifying. Many parents experience increased stressors due to complications during pregnancy, traumatic birth, or time spent in the NIC-U. Perhaps you are struggling to conceive, have suffered a loss during pregnancy, or experienced the death of an infant. You are not alone. We are here to help.

Perinatal mental health disorders (PMHDs) are the number one complication of childbirth and the least likely to be talked about. Approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men will experience PMHDs. Additionally, the likelihood of developing a perinatal mental health disorder is exacerbated by a variety of factors including endocrine dysfunction, hormone imbalance, lack of support, increased stress, existing mental health issues, and history of trauma.

The symptoms listed below may indicate that you are struggling with a perinatal mental health disorder:

• Feeling sad or depressed
• Increased irritability, anger or rage
• Difficulty bonding with the baby
• Feeling anxious or panicky
• Problems eating or sleeping
• Experiencing distressing thoughts and/or images that you can’t get out of your mind
• Feeling as if you are “out of control” or “going crazy”
• Feeling as though you never should have become a parent
• Worry that you might hurt your baby or yourself

Parents of every culture, age, income level and race can develop perinatal mental health disorders. Although many use the term “postpartum depression,” a variety of mood symptoms can appear any time during pregnancy and the first 12 months following childbirth. These symptoms may indicate other mental health disorders including anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and psychosis. Please know that with informed care you can prevent a worsening of these symptoms and fully recover.