Becoming a new mom is a profound and life-changing experience, filled with love, wonder, and joy; uncertainty, overwhelm and exhaustion. New moms need to prioritize their mental health but it is much easier said than done.
"Baby blues" are a common experience (almost 80% of moms!), including mood swings, irritability, anxiety and more. If these feelings last more than 2 weeks, it's worth talking to your healthcare provider for additional help.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) affect 1 in 5 mothers and can have significant short and long-term impacts on both the mother's well-being and the health of the family.
In this blog post, we elevate mental health awareness for new moms and discuss the symptoms of PMADs to help you or a new mom you know navigate this journey with compassion and understanding.
Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders:
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) encompass a range of mood and anxiety disorders that occur during pregnancy or in the first year postpartum. These include postpartum depression (PPD), postpartum anxiety (PPA), postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (PPOCD), and postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PPTSD).
PMADs can manifest with a variety of symptoms, including:
Persistent sadness or mood swings
Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Intense anxiety or worry, often about the baby's health or safety
Intrusive thoughts or fears about harming the baby
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension
It's essential for new moms to be aware of these symptoms and seek help if they're experiencing any of them, as untreated PMADs can have both short and long-term impacts on the health and well-being of the family.
When to Get Help:
As a new mom, it's easy to prioritize the needs of your baby above your own, but neglecting your mental health can have serious consequences.
Remember that taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's essential for your well-being and the well-being of your family.
If you're experiencing some of these symptoms, ask your healthcare provider or a trained psychotherapist. If you feel like you need help, ask.
Partners and fathers also have a meaningful role to play in supporting mom's well-being and encouraging her to seek help if she isn't well enough to do this herself.
Make self-care a priority by:
Asking for help when you need it: reach out to friends, family, or healthcare professionals for support.
Carving out time for self-care: while easier said than done, self-care is not selfish. This includes simple things like preparing healthy snacks you enjoy, prioritizing sleep and seeking solidarity with other moms.
Being kind to yourself: embrace imperfection and practice self-compassion, knowing that it's okay to ask for help and take care of your own needs.
Seek professional help if needed: If you're experiencing symptoms of PMADs, don't hesitate to reach out to a therapist or healthcare provider for support and treatment.
Navigating the journey of motherhood can be both exhilarating and challenging, and it's essential for new moms to prioritize their mental health. By being aware of the symptoms of PMADs and prioritizing self-care, you can take proactive steps to support your well-being and the well-being of your family.
You're not alone, help is available if and when you need it.
If that's you, know that we have therapists as Covey Wellness Centre with special interest and experience in postpartum mental health.
Take care of yourself, mama—you deserve it.
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This article is written in partnership with Chantelle Reid, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) at Covey Wellness Centre – Chantelle has years of experience working with and supporting pre and postnatal mental health journeys.
To contact us, please submit a form on our Contact page. You can book an appointment or a free, no-obligation consultation, or inquire about our products and services. We also offer group psychotherapy upon request.
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