Maternal Mental Health: Understanding PPD and PMADs
Postpartum depression and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are common and treatable. Here's what to know about maternal mental health and where to get help.
Pregnancy and the months after birth are some of the most demanding seasons of life. If you're struggling, you are not alone and you are not failing. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and postpartum depression (PPD) are among the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and they are very treatable.
More than the "baby blues"
Many new parents feel weepy, overwhelmed, or anxious in the first couple of weeks. When those feelings last longer, deepen, or start to interfere with daily life, it may be something more. PMADs is an umbrella term that includes depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, and other conditions during pregnancy and the first year postpartum.
Signs to pay attention to
- Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Anxiety, racing thoughts, or a constant sense of dread
- Irritability or anger that feels out of proportion
- Trouble bonding with your baby, or guilt about how you feel
- Intrusive or scary thoughts that won't go away
- Changes in sleep or appetite beyond what a newborn explains
If any of this sounds familiar, especially if it's lasted more than two weeks, it's worth talking to someone. And if you ever have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, reach out right away or call or text 988.
Treatment that fits real life with a newborn
Maternal mental health support combines therapy and, when appropriate and safe, medication management. Care is built around the realities of pregnancy, feeding, and caring for a newborn, and telehealth makes it possible to get help even on the hardest days, without packing up the baby for an appointment.
Paraview Behavioral Health offers maternal mental health care in Frederick, MD and by telehealth across Maryland. To get support, become a patient or reach out with questions.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it normal to feel this way after having a baby?
- The short-lived 'baby blues' affect most new parents in the first couple of weeks. But if low mood, anxiety, irritability, or intrusive thoughts last longer than two weeks or interfere with daily life, that may be a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, which is common and very treatable.
- Can I get treatment if I'm breastfeeding?
- Yes. Many treatment options, including therapy and certain medications, are compatible with breastfeeding. A provider experienced in maternal mental health can help you weigh options and choose what's both effective and safe for you and your baby.