I’m Struggling, Now What?

Transitioning to motherhood can be challenging. It can be hard to decide whether or not what you are going through is a normal part of motherhood or if it’s time for you to reach out for help.

We’re here to help you figure out your next steps. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, please reach out to us at ppscolumbia@gmail.com. Then, we can connect you with resources and provide the support you need to be well for you and your family.

Perinatal Mental Health Disorders

Perinatal mental health refers to mental health during pregnancy and the first postnatal years. Statistics show that up to 20 percent of women develop a perinatal mental health illness. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common complications that occur during pregnancy or in the first 12 months after birth. Examples of perinatal mental health disorders include depression during pregnancy and postpartum, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar mood disorders, postpartum psychosis, and postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These illnesses can be mild, moderate or severe, requiring different kinds of care or treatment.

These disorders do NOT occur because of something a mother does or does not do.

  • Are you feeling sad or depressed?

  • Do you feel more irritable or angry with those around you?

  • Are you having difficulty bonding with your baby?

  • Do you feel anxious or panicky?

  • Are you having problems with eating or sleeping?

  • Are you having upsetting thoughts that you can’t get out of your mind?

  • Do you feel as if you are “out of control” or “going crazy”?

  • Do you feel like you never should have become a parent?

  • Are you worried that you might hurt your baby or yourself?

If you answered yes to any of these symptoms, it could indicate that you have some form of perinatal mental health disorder, such as postpartum depression. While many parents experience some mild mood changes during or after the birth of a child, 15 to 20% of women experience more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety (Information and statistics retrieved from Postpartum Support International’s website at https://www.postpartum.net/). With proper care and treatment, you can prevent symptoms from worsening and can fully recover.

IN SOME EXTREME CASES, MOTHERS MAY EXPERIENCE PSYCHOSIS AND MANIA

These symptoms only affect 2% of women experiencing postpartum depression. Symptoms will appear in the first few days postpartum and may include.

  • Auditory hallucinations

  • Paranoia

  • Bizarre thoughts to harm baby or self

PSYCHOSIS REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS. PLEASE CALL 911 IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS.