perinatal mental health + postpartum anxiety

As providers passionate about women’s health, Wild Hope Therapy works to fulfill the need for highly trained perinatal clinical experts in Ohio. We know there aren’t enough of us (at Wild Hope or in the state of Ohio for that matter) to provide the support that every pregnant or postpartum individual may need, but we’re passionately working to normalize and destigmatize the experience of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD), support those who seek out our services at the individual level, and advocate within our communities for additional resources, supports and research to improve maternal mental health across our state.

How normal is it to experience a mood or anxiety disorder while pregnant or postpartum?

Impacting 1 in 5 U.S. women, “maternal [perinatal] mental health conditions, like postpartum depression, are the leading complication of childbirth,” according to the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health 2023 Fact Sheet. These conditions impact pregnant and postpartum women and men and are classified as perinatal when occurring between conception and the first year after birth. Research supports that too few women (around 20%) are screened for perinatal mental health disorders and even fewer (9-13%) receive appropriate treatment from a qualified provider.

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) include:

  • prenatal and/or postpartum anxiety (PPA)

  • prenatal and/or postpartum depression (PPD)

  • perinatal obsessive compulsive disorder

  • bipolar disorder

  • postpartum psychosis

At Wild Hope we acknowledge the journey into parenthood can be quite complex and full of challenging and rewarding transition. In addition to PMADs, our perinatal team also supports clients through:

  • birth trauma

  • loss

  • abortion

  • early parenting

  • transition/adjustment to parenting

  • bonding and attachment

What are the signs and symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders like postpartum anxiety and depression? 

 Signs and symptoms linked with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can include:

  • Excessive worry: parents experiencing a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder like postpartum anxiety may have recurrent and excessive worries about their baby's health, well-being, or future. The concern can become so intense that it affects the mother's ability to care for her baby or herself as well as manage everyday tasks.

  • Panic attacks: Panic attacks are abrupt episodes of intense fear that cause physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and nausea. These can happen seemingly out of the blue and can be very frightening for the person experiencing them.

  • Changes in appetite or eating habits: A new parent may have significant changes in their eating habits or appetite due to stress, fear, or worry. This can lead to drastic changes in weight and nutrition levels.

  • Difficulty concentrating: Women may have trouble focusing on a task or completing simple tasks. This difficulty can impair the mother's ability to care for her baby and become an obstacle in work and everyday life.

  • Hypervigilance: Mothers experiencing postpartum anxiety or perinatal OCD may become overly protective and vigilant of their baby, leading to an inability to be present or appropriately care for themselves or their child. 

  • Physical symptoms of stress: Stress can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, chest pain, and insomnia.

  • Social isolation: Women experiencing a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder often are also experiencing isolation. It can be difficult to get out of the house with a new baby, family or friends may not be local or know how to help, and other obstacles contribute to a new parent developing feelings of loneliness, depression, and withdrawal.

  • Irritability: Irritability and rage are a highly misunderstood symptom of postpartum depression and anxiety. When met with compassion, irritability and rage can be an important signal that the new parent is in need of additional support and care. 

  • Guilt: Feelings of guilt and shame may come along with anxiety and can cause a parent to feel like they’re not good enough or that they are failing as a parent.

  • Intrusive thoughts: A new parent may become consumed by obsessive, intrusive thoughts about the baby's well-being or safety. These thoughts can be scary and distressing to the parent, and can cause preoccupation or distraction from caring for themselves and the baby. Intrusive thoughts can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame if they are particularly upsetting, but just like irritability and rage, these symptoms are a sign that the parent is in need of support, care, and understanding. 

How do I get help for myself or a loved one if I’m experiencing symptoms of a PMAD?

If you’re pregnant, recently had a baby (or maybe you became a parent years ago but and still are not feeling like yourself) a trained perinatal mental health therapist can support you in stabilizing your symptoms, increasing your supports, adapting to parenthood, and reconnecting with yourself. Talking about your feelings and experiences is essential to taking care of yourself and your therapist is specially trained to hold space for you, and help you to develop coping skills for this unique phase of life.

Additionally, connecting with others can be beneficial to reduce feelings of guilt, shame and loneliness. We encourage clients to talk with their partners, family or close friends. Normalizing the challenges of the perinatal period can bring relief to the stories we’re telling ourselves. Joining a new parent’s support group or online forum may also allow you to connect with others going through a similar experience (we love the groups through POEM and PSI).

Your OBGYN, doula, midwife or primary care physician may also be resources to navigate new or worsening symptoms. In case of an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

You don't have to struggle alone – help is available for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Reaching out for support can make an enormous difference in improving your overall well-being and your experience of parenthood. 

What can family and friends do to support a loved one who is experiencing a postpartum mood and anxiety disorder?

  • Listen without judgment: Someone experiencing postpartum anxiety or depression needs empathy and validation, without jumping to solutions. It is essential to treat your loved one with care and respect. Be patient and try not to judge or criticize any thoughts or feelings they may express. Active listening will help them feel supported and less isolated in their struggles. 

  • Offer practical help: Making a decision about what help is needed can feel overwhelming to a new parent. So be proactive and offer to help with day-to-day tasks like grocery shopping or pick up, meal prepping, cleaning, doing dishes, or running errands. This can relieve the overwhelming feeling of having to do it all and allow a new parent the time and space to bond with their new baby.

  • Offer emotional support: Checking in with your loved one regularly and providing emotional support can be extremely helpful for them in their adjustment to parenthood. Simply being there for them, sending a text, and letting them know you understand what they’re going through can help with isolation and loneliness.

  • Provide opportunities for self-care: Encourage your loved one to prioritize self-care and stress reducing activities such as movement (ex. walking and light exercise), time to self (ex. a favorite hobby or independent activity), or personal care (ex. long shower or pedicure). Try joining your loved one in an activity they’d feel better about with another adult around if they prefer not to be apart (ex. that first trip out for coffee or to the store).

  • Offer to connect them with professional help: Help your loved one connect with a mental health therapist. Having someone trained and experienced in addressing perinatal mental health will allow for the most support. If this is something that has helped you in the past, it can be really helpful to connect over shared experiences and positive outcomes.

  • Join them in therapy: For partners, going to therapy sessions with your loved one can show that they have a supportive network that they can lean on. Your presence and support may make it easier for them to open up and discuss their concerns openly. 

  • Support healthy habits: Make sure your loved one’s eating and staying hydrated. Drop off or prepare nutritious meals and snacks.

  • Avoid giving unsolicited advice: Unless asked, avoid giving your loved one advice on how to handle their situation. Most likely, they already know what needs to be done and need someone to listen without judgment or offering solutions.

  • Help them get away from screens: Encourage your loved one to limit their exposure to social media or any negative news, as this can trigger anxiety and fear. Instead, suggest activities like being in nature or spending time with animals, which has been proven beneficial for mental health. Do the steps that make it hard for new parents to get out of the door (get clothes for baby, pack a diaper bag, gather snacks, make a plan or get directions, etc.)

  • Offer love and compassion: Above all, ensure your love and compassion are unconditional. Remind them that they are not alone and everything they're going through is normal, even if it doesn't feel like it right now. Reassure them that you are there for them no matter what.

What’s different about perinatal support at Wild Hope?

Therapists who treat perinatal mental health and postpartum depression at Wild Hope obtain comprehensive training in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International, the leading organization in maternal mental health. Our team also participates in ongoing trainings, internal group consultation, access to practice specific tools and resource lists, and state wide advocacy and education initiatives.

At Wild Hope Therapy, we understand that the perinatal period can be incredibly challenging for expecting and new mothers (dads too!). Our compassionate team of therapists is here to provide understanding and support with comprehensive training in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International. If you or someone you know struggles with postpartum depression or anxiety, we encourage you to seek help. Our therapists are here to listen and provide evidence-based treatment tailored to each individual's unique needs. Life can be full of challenge and joy during the perinatal period; we are committed to supporting you as you move from surviving to thriving. Connect with us today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey.

Reach out for a free consultation to find the right therapist for you.