The months during and after pregnancy can be filled with a mix of excitement, joy, fear, and anxiety. While it’s normal to experience some mood swings and worries as your body goes through immense change and you prepare to care for a new life, some women find themselves faced with all-consuming feelings of sadness, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or disconnection from their baby. These perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) can develop any time in pregnancy up to a year postpartum.
Common PMADs include:
Perinatal depression - Characterized by persistent low mood, lack of enjoyment, low energy and motivation, changes in sleep and appetite.
Perinatal anxiety - Includes feelings of intense worry/fear, racing thoughts, panic attacks.
Postpartum OCD - Intrusive, disturbing thoughts related to harm and intense anxiety. Moms engage in compulsive behaviors trying to neutralize fears.
Postpartum psychosis - A rare disorder involving detached from reality, delusions, hallucinations. This is a psychiatric emergency.
Many mothers feel ashamed about struggling with PMADs but it's important to know these are medical illnesses involving complex hormonal shifts and changes in the brain. They can happen to anyone and with prompt treatment, most women make a full recovery.
The Role of Therapy in Healing from PMADs Therapy is an essential component of treatment for many women battling PMADs. The right therapist provides compassionate support, teaches coping techniques, gives perspective on distorted thoughts, and empowers women as they heal.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps identify and reframe negative thought patterns contributing to feelings of sadness or worry. Acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) focuses on mindfulness, acceptance of thoughts/feelings, and reconnecting with personal values. Interpersonal therapy addresses relationship challenges that may worsen depression.
In addition to therapy, medication, holistic practices like meditation/yoga, support groups, and lifestyle changes can all support better mental health on the journey to recovery.
The key is for women to know they don't have to suffer alone in shame or silence. Help and hope are available, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. With compassionate support, including high quality therapy, most women who develop PMADs can feel like themselves again.
