So Much More Than Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression is the “Go To”

When someone thinks of mental health concerns that are related to pregnancy, typically people think of Postpartum Depression. Occasionally, people will also think of the baby blues. The difficulty with this? It leads to parents that experience other mental health concerns feeling invalid and not wanting to speak up. This also leads to decreased screening from medical providers.

Let’s remove that stigma.

Let’s start with when these concerns can arise.

Perinatal refers to “all around birth” and is typically used to describe pregnancy through the first year postpartum. This is the period in which mental health concerns related to pregnancy can occur. It is more common for individuals to experience concerns following birth, but ultimately can happen at any time.

So, what else is there?

Postpartum Anxiety, PTSD, Postpartum Psychosis, Postpartum OCD, Postpartum Depression, and baby blues are all common complications that can arise with parent’s mental health due to pregnancy.

What can this look like?

Postpartum Depression is the main concern people think of. Followed by the baby blues. But what about that mom that is constantly checking on baby? The one that has difficulty sleeping because they think something awful is going to happen? Or what about the parent that thinks their baby is going to shoot lasers out of its eyes? And then there is the one that doesn’t want to let anyone else hold their baby because they don’t feel safe.

Those parents matter. Those parents are the ones that typically have a more difficult time getting help. Those are the ones that get missed.

Postpartum Depression is a legitimate concern, as are baby blues. We want those individuals to get support, too. However, we also want those struggling from the many other diagnosable conditions to get seen and not feel crazy.

Why don’t these get talked about?

Simply put, there is a lack of education. Education in this timeframe typically starts with medical providers and most just don’t receive a ton of training in this area. They also do not typically get a lot of time with each of their patients. We also, as a culture, don’t talk about it.

What can we do about this?

We can continue to talk about it. We can remove the stigma by sharing what we are going through. You would be surprised how many parents are not entirely truthful on the screeners their medical providers have them fill out. Why? Because they are afraid to admit everything is not perfect.

A little secret? Every single person who has a baby struggles. Every single one. It is just a matter of how much. So, instead of hiding the struggle, let’s talk about it. Let’s make it normal. Let’s support each other.

If you or someone you know is struggling from a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, please reach out to our clinic for a free consultation.