Maternal Mental Health Overview
Maternal Mental Health Overview
Do you feel sad or depressed? Are you more irritable or angry than usual with those around you?
Do you have a hard time bonding with your baby? Do you have trouble sleeping or eating?
Are you feeling panicky or anxious? Are you repeatedly thinking upsetting thoughts that you can’t get out of your mind?
Are you feeling as though you are losing control?
Do you regret having become a mother?
Do you worry that you might hurt your baby or yourself?
If you feel any of these symptoms, and many others, you may have a form of perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, such as postpartum depression. It is common for women to experience some minor mood changes during or after the birth of a child, but 15 %- 20% of mothers experience more severe symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms may manifest any time during pregnancy or during the first 12 months after childbirth, to women of all ages, income levels and religious or cultural backgrounds.
You are not alone – there is a way to get better. With the necessary treatment and support you can stop this suffering!
Although the term “postpartum depression” is most often used, there are actually several forms of illness that women may experience, including: Depression, Anxiety, OCD, PTSD, Bipolar and Mood Disorders, and Psychosis.
If you cannot find the information you seek, or require further explanation please contact us.