About Perinatal Mood Disorders
The best way to find out if this approach is for you is to schedule a 15 - 20 minute consultation. Depending on your clinician’s availability, this consult may be held over the phone, via video, or in-person.
Perinatal Mental Health
Perinatal mental health refers to mental health complications during pregnancy and through the first year following childbirth. The most common types of perinatal mood disorders are postpartum depression and anxiety. 1 out of 7 moms and 1 out of 10 dads suffer from postpartum depression. It is important to know that help is available and you will get better.
The baby blues or something more serious?
80% of moms experience symptoms of baby blues in the first few weeks after delivery. Symptoms can include tearfulness, irritability or feeling overwhelmed. You may feel worried about caring for a newborn, exhausted from lack of sleep, and hormonal. This is normal and symptoms will start to fade within 2 weeks. If your symptoms persist or become worse instead of better, you may be experiencing a postpartum mood or anxiety disorder.
Types and Symptoms of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Pregnancy/Postpartum Depression – symptoms can include feelings of sadness, irritability, anger, guilt, loneliness, or loss of interest in things you would normally enjoy. Many women report simply not feeling like themselves. Some moms cry often but others do not. Symptoms will differ for everyone.
- Pregnancy/Postpartum Anxiety – extreme worries or fears, often focused on the health and safety of your baby. Many women report a constant fear that something terrible will happen to them or their baby. Physical symptoms can include dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and a sense of losing control.
- Pregnancy/Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – most often includes frequent or repetitive, unwanted thoughts or images (obsessions) and a need to engage in certain behaviors over and over again (compulsions) to reduce the anxiety associated with these thoughts/images. Examples can include thoughts of driving off the road with your baby in the car and refusing to drive to avoid the anxiety associated with your thoughts. Moms are very scared by these thoughts, they have no desire or intention of acting on them and they want them to go away.
- Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – can result after a traumatic childbirth, NICU stay, loss, or past trauma. Symptoms can include nightmares, flashbacks, and avoiding memories or situations related to the event.
- Postpartum Psychosis – is rare, occurring in approximately less than 1% of women. The onset is often sudden, within the first 2 weeks after delivery. Symptoms can include paranoia, seeing and hearing voices or images that others cannot, called hallucinations, or having strange beliefs, called delusions. *** Postpartum Psychosis is treatable but is also an emergency and it is essential that you get help immediately.**
Resources
POSTPARTUM SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL
Helpline 800-944-4773 or text 503-894-9453
Provides a variety of support and education for moms and dads. Options for help include online support groups, free “Chat with an Expert” sessions and referrals to local therapists and support groups in your community.
MOTHER TO BABY
Ask an expert 866-626-6847 or text 855-999-3525
Evidenced based information on medications and exposures (such a beauty products or household cleaners) during pregnancy and breastfeeding
GEORGIA CRISIS AND ACCESS LINE
Text “GA” to 741-741
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule an appointment?
If you are a new client, you may schedule your complimentary consultation or your initial appointment by visiting the contact page and filling out the short form or outreaching directly to your desired provider by calling (470) 231-5355.
If you are an existing client, please outreach to your provider directly either by telephone, email, or via the client portal secure messaging system.
Do you accept my insurance?
HWP does not accept insurance. Managed care companies were created to “manage” and contain escalating health care costs. Their bottom line is to reduce costs and raise profits; it is not to increase the quality of care professionals provide or your quality of life. HWP is solution-focused on quality of life and personal goals.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or change your appointment, we ask you to inform your provider at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled session start time. Your full session fee will be charged for missed appointments and cancellations received less than 24 hours in advance.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, credit cards, and health savings (HSA) or flex spending account (FSA) cards that have a major credit card logo on it are all accepted forms of payment.