Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
Motherhood is a season of vast growth and transformation that can be both one the most joyous times of your life while also being one of the most challenging and stressful. Whether you are a new mom for the first time or the 10th time, and not feeling quite like yourself, I am here to help. I am here to help cope with the loud screams, the high pitched cries and feelings of overstimulation. I am here to help you find time to find yourself again and define your identity outside of just being a mom. Being a mom is HARD and as a mom who has been through her own struggles, I am here to help.
The word "perinatal" refers to the period before, during, or after birth. Becoming a mom is an amazing life transition that can bring about a lot of joy and excitement but for many women, can also create a lot of fear and anxiety. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) affect between 10 – 20% of women. Symptoms can appear at any time during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth. There are many different symptoms of PMAD's and Postpartum depression.
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Symptoms may include but are not limited to:
Lack of interest in the baby or loss of interest, joy, or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
Crying and sadness
Feelings of anger, irritability, guilt, shame, or hopelessness
Possible thoughts of harming yourself or the baby
Constant worry or racing thoughts
Compulsively doing certain things over and over again to manage fears (ie: checking things many times over and over)
Flashbacks or intrusive re-experiencing of a past traumatic event
Delusions or Hallucinations
Experiencing a mood that is more elevated than normal or rapid mood swings
Paranoia and suspiciousness
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If you suffer from any of these symptoms and many more, contact me to learn more how you can prevent a worsening of these symptoms and can fully recover. Remember, you don't have to do it alone!
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To learn more about PMADs you can visit Postpartum Support International (PSI)