Perinatal mental health refers to mental health issues that can arise during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. This period can be emotionally and physically challenging, and women may experience conditions such as postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to childbirth experiences. Therapy can play a significant role in supporting individuals through this time. It offers a safe space to process emotions, develop coping strategies, and manage stress.
The postpartum era refers to the first year after birth. While it is normal for all birthing persons to experience a major shift in hormones, energy and emotion during the first few weeks after delivering a baby, mood disruptions beyond about 2 weeks may alert new parents and their support persons the need for extra support. This is true for one in every 5-7 birthing parents and approximately 1 in 10, non-birthing parents. Common postpartum mood disorders include:
· Postpartum Depression (PPD): Affects around 10-20% of new birthing parents (and about 10% of non-birthing parents). Symptoms can include deep sadness, loss of interest in daily activities, excessive guilt, difficulty bonding with the baby, and even thoughts of harming oneself or the baby. It requires professional treatment, often through therapy and/or medication.
· Postpartum Anxiety: This involves excessive worry, fear, or panic, which may occur alongside or separate from postpartum depression. Symptoms include constant anxiety, racing thoughts, and physical symptoms like heart palpitations or shortness of breath. Like postpartum depression, it can be treated with therapy, medication and support.
· Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): In some cases, new mothers may experience intrusive, obsessive thoughts with compulsive behaviors, like checking on the baby repeatedly or excessive worry about exposing baby to germs, contaminants, or other perceived harms. There may also be excessive irrational worry about harming the baby or themselves, even though they would never act on these thoughts. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be helpful for managing OCD.
· Postpartum Psychosis: Though it is rare (affecting about 1 in 1,000 births), this is the most severe form of postpartum mood disorders. It involves hallucinations, delusions, confusion, and disorganized thinking. Postpartum psychosis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment, typically in a hospital setting. If you or your loved one are experiencing symptoms of postpartum psychosis, please seek immediate medical care in a hospital setting or call 911 if there is immediate danger to the person or child.
These complex disorders are believed to be related to hormonal shifts, stress, exhaustion, and demands of parenthood. They are not anyone’s fault. They are very treatable, often with a combination of pharmaceutical interventions, therapy, behavioral changes, and with support from others.