Did you know that approximately 20-25% of women suffer from Prenatal and Postpartum Mood/Anxiety Disorders? Bringing a new child into your life can be an adjustment and for many, doesn't always match the "idea" one has of being a new parent. Cindy can help.
You are not alone
This is not your fault
With help, you will be well
Here are some signs that you may be experiencing Postpartum Depression (traditional term) or a Perinatal Mood Disorder (Depression, Anxiety, intrusive thoughts, Obsessions/Compulsions, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Psychosis):
This list is credited to "Beyond the Blues" by Shoshana Bennett, Ph.D. and Pec Indman, Ed.D, MFT
Postpartum Depression and Anxiety:
- Excessive Worry fears
- Irritability or short temper
- Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope
- Difficulty making decisions
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt
- Sleep problems
- Discomfort around the baby
- Lack of concentration
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Intrusive, repetitive thoughts or mental pictures
- Thoughts often are about hurting or killing the baby
- Tremendous sense of horror and disgust about the thoughts
- Counting, checking, cleaning
Panic Disorder
- Episodes of extreme anxiety
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, sensations of choking or smothering, dizziness
- Hot or cold flashes, trembling, rapid heart rate
- Restlessness, agitation, irritability
- Fear of "going crazy"
- Often comes on without warning
- Excessive worry
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Extreme anxiety
- Reliving past traumatic events (traumatic birth, past trauma, baby in the NICU, etc.)
Psychosis
Cindy does not treat postpartum psychosis. However, if you or a loved one believes you are suffering from postpartum psychosis, go to the ER, or dial 911 if needed. Some signs/symptoms are:
- Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that others do not (getting secret messages, hearing the voice of God or the Devil)
- Delusional thinking (ex: about the infant's death, denial of the birth, or need to kill the baby)
- Mania
- Confusion
- Paranoia