Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders aka Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Author: Paxton Murphy M.Ed, Therapist at Everlasting Wellness LLC, Specializing in Maternal and Perinatal Mental Health as well as Sex Therapy.
There has been a rise in awareness about Postpartum Depression within the past decade, however, there remains a gap in awareness on Perinatal and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD). It is common for new mommas to have come across the term “baby blues” following having a baby. The term “baby blues” refers to a period of time in which a mother goes through normal adjustment after having a baby. It is very common for mommas (approximately 50 to 80% of women) to experience mood swings and increased tearfulness during the first 2 to 3 weeks after having a baby.
This is not the same as Perinatal and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorder. The “baby blues” tends to resolve with increased support, self care, sleep, and nutrition. If the following symptoms do not resolve within 2 to 3 weeks, there is a possibility that a momma is experiencing PMADs and should seek professional mental health help.
“Baby Blues” Symptoms:
- Crying often and not always for an apparent reason
- Feeling exhausted
- Difficulty falling and/or staying asleep
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- Feeling nervous
- Easily annoyed or irritated
- Not feeling yourself
Perinatal and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders encompasses a variety of symptoms that can occur perinatal and/or postpartum. PMADs is an abbreviation used to describe distressing feelings that occur during pregnancy (perinatal) and throughout the first year following pregnancy (postpartum). Symptoms can vary from mild, moderate to severe. Nearly 1 in 7 women are affected by PMADs during pregnancy and/or postpartum.
PMADs occurs when “baby blues” last longer than 3 weeks and impact daily functioning. It is also important to recognize the influence of trauma and the connection to PMADs, whether that be a difficult pregnancy (severe nausea/ vomiting, bed rest, high/low blood pressure, baby’s positioning, etc.), birth trauma, NICU experiences, emergent surgery, or ICU hospitalization following birth.
Unfortunately without treatment, these symptoms may last weeks, months, to even years depending on the severity. To bring awareness towards the various ways women can be impacted by pregnancy and postpartum, the different symptoms are as followed:
Types of Perinatal and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders:
Perinatal or postpartum mood disorder
- Intense anger or irritability
- Troubling falling asleep or sleeping too much
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble making decisions
- Loss of interest in caring for yourself or baby
- Loss or increased appetite (weight gain or weight loss)
- Inability to carry out everyday tasks
- Frequent crying spells
- Too much or too little concern for your baby
- Loss of interest in doing things once enjoyed
- Withdrawn from family and friends
- Negative feelings about your baby
- Lack of energy
- Possible thoughts of harming yourself or baby*
- Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there or thoughts that do not make sense*
Perinatal or postpartum anxiety disorder
- Constant worry
- Feeling that something bad is going to happen for no reason
- Racing thoughts
- Intrusive thoughts (scary thoughts that you do not want to be having)
- Difficulty falling and/or staying asleep
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Restlessness
- Feeling dizzy, nauseous, headaches, racing heart, difficulty breathing
- Feelings of fear or uneasiness
Perinatal or postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Obsessive, intrusive, scary thoughts often related to baby or mom
- Compulsive behaviors in efforts to reduce obsessions (fears)- checking, cleaning, counting, reordering things, etc.
- A sense of disgust about obsessive thoughts
- Fear of being alone with baby
- Heightened alertness and preoccupation with protecting baby
Perinatal and Postpartum Psychosis
- Extreme confusion
- Inability to sleep even when exhausted OR excessive energy and feelings of not needing sleep
- Refusing to eat
- Extreme distrust in other people (partner, family, friends)
- Seeing or hearing voices that are not there*
- Thoughts of hurting self, baby, or partner*
If you are reading this and are experiencing any of the previously listed feelings, thoughts, and/or behaviors, please reach out to the Everlasting Wellness LLC team to assist you in receiving mental health assistance with a highly trained and competent professional.
We are here for you!
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please call 911 or one of the following crisis lines.
Severe Symptoms:
- Seeing or hearing voices that are not there*
- Thoughts of hurting self, baby, or partner*
Resources for Crisis:
- National Hopeline Network, 1-800-784-2433 (1-800- SUICIDE)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK)
- Postpartum Depression – Talk to a Mom who’s been there, 1-800-773-6667 (1-800-PPD-MOMS)