Historically referred to as generically as “postpartum depression,” the term “perinatal mood and anxiety disorders” (or PMADs) refers to a whole range of maternal mental health complications that occur for many women during their perinatal period.

The perinatal period refers to the time “around” your pregnancy, from conception until the baby turns one.

Postpartum depression is an illness, like diabetes or heart disease. Depression that usually occurs within one year of childbirth may be postpartum depression. A woman may have postpartum depression if she experiences symptoms for at least two weeks. The symptoms of postpartum depression include: Feeling sad or down often, frequent crying or tearfulness, feeling restless or irritable or anxious, loss of interest or pleasure in life, loss of appetite or increased appetite, less energy and motivation to do things, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, feeling worthless or hopeless or guilty, or showing little to no interest in baby.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, please contact a medical provider, or drop us a line.

First, it is very normal to feel some anxiety after you have a baby; this is a period of many transitions and new responsibility. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, however, you may have an anxiety disorder:

• Intrusive, repetitive, or persistent thoughts or mental pictures that interfere with daily tasks

• Excessive or obsessive worries or fears (often related to the baby) that do not improve with reassurance and support

• Physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pains, sensations of smothering, or dizziness

• Recurrent nightmares or reliving of past traumatic events.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk with your doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible.

Yes. Women may experience symptoms of depression or anxiety during pregnancy. Pregnancy leads to both physical and emotional changes that can make you more vulnerable to depression or anxiety. If you have symptoms of depression or anxiety like those listed above, it is important to talk with your doctor or midwife as soon as possible so that they can support you during your pregnancy and make a plan with you for the postpartum period.

An estimated 15-21% of pregnant and postpartum women experience PMADs, though that number may be higher. Factors that increase your chance of experiencing PMADs include: previous history of a mental health disorder, financial hardship, lack of partner or support team, isolation, an unwanted pregnancy, a conflicting relationship with your mother, geographic location, and more.

The exact cause isn’t known. Hormone levels change during pregnancy and right after childbirth. Those hormone changes may produce chemical changes in the brain that play a part in causing depression. Stressful life events, as well as genetic factors, may also play a role.

Feeling depressed doesn’t mean that you are a bad person, that you did something wrong, or that you brought this on yourself.

It varies for each woman. Some women feel better within a few weeks, but others feel depressed or “not themselves” for many months. The important thing is that PMADs are treatable. The sooner a woman begins treatment the sooner she will begin to feel better. Remember, help is available and with treatment and support, you can feel better.

NOTE: The “baby blues” are very different from postpartum depression or other PMADs. The baby blues are hormonal changes that can cause anxiety, crying and restlessness, and they usually go away within the first two weeks after giving birth.

Many PMADs, including depression and anxiety, are treated much like any other depression or anxiety. Counseling (“talk therapy”) and medication can help. Talk with your doctor about what treatment is best for you. For PMADs such as bipolar disorder or OCD, that treatment plan will be created by you and your doctor/providers.

In addition to counseling and/or medication, it is very important for a women to get more support from family or friends, regardless of their PMAD diagnosis or treatment. For many women, this kind of support is not available. In that case, Mother-Wise provides one-on-one support and Mom’s groups for expecting and new moms in Lake County.

Great question! If you are pregnant or have given birth recently and are feeling sad, blue, anxious, irritable, tired or have any of the other symptoms of PMADs you’ve learned about here, remember that many other women have had the same experience. You’re not “losing your mind” or “going crazy” and you do not need to simply suffer through it.

Here are some things you can do that other mothers with PMADs have found helpful:

• Find someone you feel comfortable talking with and tell that person about your feelings.

• Get in touch with people who can help you with child care, household chores and errands. This social support network will help you find time for yourself so you can rest.

• Find time to do something for yourself, even if it’s only 15 minutes a day. Try reading, going for a quick walk, taking a bath, or meditating. Or hey, just sit in a comfy chair and stare out of the window!

• Keep a diary. Every day, take two minutes to write down your emotions and feelings. This is a way to let out your thoughts and frustrations. Once you begin to feel better, you can go back and reread your diary. This will help you see how much better you are.

• Even if you can only get one thing done on any given day, remember that this is a step in the right direction. There may be days when you can’t get anything done, but try not to get angry with yourself when this happens.