Perinatal Mental Health
We provide treatment and support for anyone that may be struggling adjusting to the birth of a new baby, pregnancy, infertility, and infant loss. Perinatal refers to the time from pregnancy to 1 year following the birth of a child. It is important for you to know that you are not alone in what you are experiencing and that we provide a safe and supportive treatment to help you get back to a healthy you.
Perinatal mood disorders don’t just affect the mother. They affect partners, families, other children, and workplaces. In addition, not only mothers can suffer from perinatal mood disorders. Their partners, grandparents in caregiver roles, and even adoptive parents can all suffer from these disorders as well. Perinatal mood disorders include perinatal depression, anxiety, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, and postpartum psychosis. Sometimes it can be hard to realize that you’re struggling and you may just feel like you’re failing. It is important to know that every perinatal mood disorder is temporary and treatable, no matter how severe. Symptoms of perinatal mood disorders can begin as early as 3-4 weeks postpartum or later, or these symptoms can even develop during pregnancy.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Overview:
- 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
- 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 mother?
- Are you worried that you might hurt your baby or yourself?
Any of these symptoms, and many more, could indicate that you have a form of perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, such as postpartum depression. While many women 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. Please know that with informed care you can prevent a worsening of these symptoms and can fully recover. There is no reason to continue to suffer.
We provide individual and couples counseling to address perinatal mental health concerns.
Resources:
Postpartum Support International www.postpartum.net