Postpartum mood disorders
Postpartum mood disorders are serious conditions that impact a woman’s wellbeing after birth, miscarriage or stillbirth. You may already be familiar with postpartum depression, but new moms can also experience postpartum anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you're struggling after birth, it's very important to get treatment. The sooner you get help, the sooner you'll feel better and enjoy your baby. Learn more about these conditions below.
Postpartum depression
The most commonly known postpartum mood disorder, which is more serious than the “baby blues”. You will have strong feelings of sadness and hopelessness that do not go away.
Common symptoms include: feeling very sad or hopeless most of the time, losing pleasure in life and things you used to enjoy, not caring for yourself as well (dressing, showering), sleeping too much or too little, changes in appetite.
Postpartum anxiety
Postpartum anxiety is different for everyone. It often consists of excessive worry about your baby and your role as a mother. This anxiety can turn into postpartum depression, bringing on stronger feelings of hopelessness or sadness. There can be both mental and physical symptoms.
Common symptoms include: excessive worry, headaches, dizziness, loss of sleep, stomachaches, rapid breathing.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
OCD is common postpartum even for people with no history of it. It features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears. If you’ve been diagnosed with OCD before, you may have more intense symptoms.
Common symptoms include: repetitive actions, intrusive and unwelcome thoughts that repeat, images of awful things happening.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Women with a history of previous trauma, especially sexual trauma, may experience symptoms. It can also be trauma that results from the birthing experience.
Common symptoms include: intrusive memories, flashbacks and/or nightmares.
Postpartum mood disorders happen because of all the overwhelming changes new moms go through. The hormonal changes play a big part in these conditions.
You are more likely to experience these feelings postpartum if you have an existing condition, are under a lot of stress, or don’t have support.
Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your mood and your symptoms.
Be sure to tell your doctor how you’re feeling, and what you’re experiencing, at your first checkup after the baby is born. This will help them identify any postpartum mood disorders early on.
After an initial assessment from your provider and/or a mental health professional, you will come up with a treatment plan together that works for you.
- Treatment plans often include medicines, therapy, support groups and more.
To help yourself get better, try your best to eat well, exercise, and get as much sleep as possible.
Get support from family and friends if you can.
- The Maternal Mental Health Hotline 833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262).
- Postpartum Support International 1-800-944-4PPD (800-944-4773)
- The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-8255 right away if you have thoughts of hurting yourself.
We're here to help
Call us today at 866-853-5241 if you need support during your postpartum period.
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