If you are pregnant and wondering what to look out for when it comes to your mental health, you are not alone; that’s why Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Health therapists exist! Even leading up to pregnancy, there are so many emotions and experience people have. So, it would make sense that it’s possible, and not so uncommon, to go through various ups and down, so to speak, during and after pregnancy.
What are Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders?
That’s a good question, especially because most people refer to mood concerns as postpartum depression. However, people can be diagnosed with several different mood disorders within the perinatal (during pregnancy) and postpartum (the first 12 months after birth).
These Disorders are Relatively Common
While expecting a child can be exciting, various perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are fairly common during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The estimate, according to Postpartum Support International, is that 15-20 % of women experience symptoms that meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis beyond the typical “baby blues.”
The Baby Blues
The “baby blues” is a period of normal postpartum adjustment that is inherently stressful. The difficulty of becoming a new parent is widely considered normal for this reason. 60-80% of women report feeling exhausted, sad, irritable, and generally anxious after the birth of their child. These symptoms begin one to three days postpartum and can last up to fourteen days. It is recommended to seek out further assessment and support if those feelings don’t start to feel more manageable after that time period. That may look like these various feelings and thoughts start to interfere with daily living and typical coping strategies as the birthing person.
What Are The Different Diagnoses?
Postpartum depression
This is characterized by sadness and hopelessness during pregnancy or after the birth of one’s child. The birthing person may notice that this leads to a significant decrease or increase in irritability, sleeping, eating, engaging with friends and family, and possibly disinterest in spending time with their child.
Postpartum Anxiety
Excessive worry and fear about the health, safety, and well-being of the baby and oneself during pregnancy or postpartum. This often leads to decreased functioning for the parent and difficulty staying present without considering worst-case scenarios and how to prevent those.
Postpartum OCD
Excessive worry and fear during pregnancy and/or postpartum involve intrusive and distressing thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) that result in repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). There are many themes of obsessions and many ways compulsions manifest for individuals. Generally, obsessions revolve around fears of harming the baby in some way (i.e., dropping the baby, suffocating the baby, or fearing contamination). Compulsions may involve excessive checking, cleaning, or other behaviors to reduce anxiety.
Postpartum Psychosis
This is rare but often occurs enough to know the signs and symptoms for the birthing parent and baby’s wellbeing. Symptoms include Delusions (odd beliefs that feel true), Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there), general confusion, decreased need for sleep, difficulty differentiating between reality and thoughts, and changes in speech patterns.
Does a Perinatal Mental Health Therapist in Illinois know what Causes Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders?
The short answer is we don’t know for sure. There are some risk factors to acknowledge and consider when wondering whether to seek certain supports during pregnancy. Here is a list of a few things that can contribute to the development of a diagnosis during this time:
Hormonal changes:
The rapid changes in hormones during pregnancy and after birth can impact mood and contribute to depression and anxiety.
General Life stress:
Pregnancy and the postpartum period tend to bring up additional stress and responsibilities. These include financial worries, relationship challenges, sleep deprivation, rapid body changes, and family role shifts.
Personal or family history of mental health issues.
Women with a history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues are at a higher risk of developing perinatal mood disorders. Considering the history of the birthing person’s mother in case they experience significant symptoms during pregnancy or postpartum.
Medical complications.
Pregnancy and birth complications, such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and premature birth, can increase the risk of perinatal mood disorders.
The conception journey.
The possible complications that occur when trying to conceive or if the pregnancy is unexpected can lead to feelings of stress, grief/loss, feelings of loneliness and isolation, and general sadness.
Support system.
Having a support system and community to lean on during this vulnerable time helps maintain mental wellness. When support changes or is not present, that can cause changes in the birthing person’s sense of safety and confidence.
Treatment Prescribed by Perinatal Mental Health Therapists in Chicago
There is hope, there is the treatment for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. It’s important to seek help from a mental health professional if you are experiencing the symptoms listed above. If you are experiencing or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of psychosis, reach out to your doctor right away.
There is no shame in experiencing the thoughts and feelings that SO many parents feel when they try to conceive, become pregnant, go through pregnancy, and then go through postpartum. The diagnoses listed in this post are all very treatable!
Treatment options may include:
Therapy:
All therapists rely on their own theoretical orientation to inform how they do the treatment. It’s proven that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are therapies that can effectively treat perinatal mood disorders. If trauma symptoms present, it’s also helpful to consider exposure therapy or other modalities to work through that.
Medication:
Antidepressants and other medications can effectively treat depression and anxiety. Many psychiatrists and doctors understand and can support medication use during and after pregnancy. The key is to find referrals for experts in that area. If you’re uncomfortable with this option, there are also alternatives to explore with an Eastern medicine or functional medicine lens.
Self-care:
Practicing self-care, such as intuitive movement, mindfulness, allowing time for adequate sleep when possible, time alone, time with friends, and whatever fills your cup, is so important to feel settled and consistent. This is especially true during the perinatal and postpartum time periods. The main takeaway is that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are common. They can impact a woman’s mental health during pregnancy and after giving birth. However, they are also very treatable and there are resources for those going through it!
Get Perinatal and Postpartum Support in Therapy for Women in Chicago, IL Today!
Seeking treatment is difficult but highly recommended. If you are experiencing anything listed above and/or just want a space to go to. Remember, you are not alone. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health during this time.
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Other Services:
Limitless Counseling Center has a variety of specialty services catered to your needs. In addition to Clinical Consultation and Supervision, we offer online Perinatal & Postpartum therapy in Chicago, IL. We also provide online therapy for panic disorder, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or phobias, as well as OCD.