We often hear all the beautiful things about becoming a mother and how incredibly rewarding it is. However, becoming a mother can also be an incredibly challenging, scary and even lonely at times. Instead of joy, mothers may experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, depression, fear, shame, embarrassment and even isolation. Mothers may also find themselves struggling to cope with the loss of a former life or the challenges associated with infertility or adoption. New mothers may also have the stress of adjusting to a new “Maternal” identity and coming to terms with this new role.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMADS) is greater if you have experienced:
- Pregnancy complications or a traumatic delivery (C-section) or premature birth
- A history of infertility, abortions, miscarriages, or other pregnancy loses
- Personal or family history of mental illness
- A history of family violence and abuse
- Lack of social support and resources
- Pre and post adoption challenges
- Paternal adjustment and depression
- Death of a child or separation
Depression is not the only symptom for Prenatal Mood Disorders. Other symptoms include:
- Feeling helpless and hopeless
- Becoming obsessively overprotective of your new baby
- Constantly cleaning and tidying up
- Extreme happiness and then sudden burst of energy
- Irritability, anger and rage
- Intrusive or anxious thoughts, images, or fears of harming your child that you cannot stop, but know they are wrong
- Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there
- Difficulty attaching and bonding with your baby, older or adoptive child
- Isolation from friends and family
- Difficulty making decisions
- Changes in sleeping habits or eating patterns
- Worrying about things that never used to bother you
- Thinking your children would be better off without you
- Crying over the slightest thing
- No longer enjoying the things you used to enjoy
- Fear leaving the house or being alone
- Having anxiety attacks
- Having difficulty concentrating
You may experience all of these symptoms or only a few, but you are not alone
One in eight couples have difficulty getting pregnant and sustaining pregnancy. One in seven mothers will develop depression or anxiety during pregnancy or within 12 months of giving birth. One in four fathers will experience symptoms of depression (Daddy Blue’s) after birth. Thirty-eight percent of new mothers of color experience perinatal emotional complications and do not seek treatment or support services. Sometimes the lack of access to information and resources prevent mothers and fathers from reaching out. Therapy is an effective form of treatment for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder and the symptoms mentioned above can be the first step in getting the support you need. With professional help and support, these temporary symptoms are treatable and solvable.
If you are struggling with any of these symptoms, please contact me for a free 15-minute consultation to see if I am the right therapist for you.