No matter the struggle you are experiencing during your pregnancy or postpartum, you are not alone. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the #1 complication of childbirth.
This month we acknowledge the 1 in 5 new or expectant mothers who experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder. We celebrate the women who have recovered. We thank the women who share their stories. We honor the women who have silently suffered. We share hope, encouragement, strength, education, advocacy, and resources to empower and support women in their mental health journey.
We see you; we hear you; we are here for you! If you are unsure if you are experiencing symptoms of a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder or are uncertain about how to get help, we encourage you to review the following:
YOU are worthy. YOU are loved. YOU are not alone.
NORMAL THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS
- Feeling tired and overwhelmed
- General worries about your baby’s health or safety
- Feeling distracted or forgetful on occasion
- Wanting a break
- Having an occasional bad day
- Questioning how other moms seem to “do it all” or comparing yourself to others
SYMPTOMS OF A PMAD ~ SEEK SUPPORT
- Feeling irritable, angry, or having mood swings
- Having scary, unwanted thoughts or images about your baby
- Having frequent racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating
- Feeling a strong desire to escape
- Having more bad days than good days
- Feeling as though you are not good enough or your baby would be better off without you
To learn more, please visit: Demystifying Postpartum
If you are experiencing symptoms, help is available, and you will get better. We recommend:
- Talking to a loved one such as your partner, family, close friend, or your doctor.
- Counseling with a perinatal therapist
- A peer support group
- Holistic therapies such as vibrational sound therapy, guided meditation, reiki, or acupuncture.
In the spirit of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, we celebrate and care for YOU!
YOU are strong. YOU are brave. YOU are enough.
YOU are worthy. YOU are loved. YOU are not alone.
