Many of us envision that welcoming a child will be a magical journey filled with unspeakable joy, overwhelming excitement and unmatched fulfillment. For many parents though, the opposite is true. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, worried, disconnected from your pregnancy/child, yourself or others, know you are not alone. You may be struggling with a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) is a term used to describe a set of disorders that many individuals can experience during pregnancy and into the postpartum period. Recent studies show that nearly 1 in 5 women, and 1 in 10 men (yes, dads can suffer too!), experience a PMAD. PMAD prevalence rates are 21%, making them the most common, and most untreated, complication of childbirth. PMADs include Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Psychosis. PMADs also affect adoptive parents as well as LGBTQ couples and families. PMADs do not discriminate and can affect any person, no matter their socioeconomic status or life circumstances.
Untreated PMADs come with many risks. But they don’t have to go untreated. Help is available, both in the forms of individual and group counseling. In fact, studies show that support groups are often the most effective treatment for PMADs. Medication is also available to treat PMADs, and can be a helpful part of overall treatment.
If you suspect that you or someone you love is struggling with a PMAD, reach out for help. Treatment is available and effective. Organizations such as Postpartum Support International offer direct resources, free online support groups for folks from all backgrounds, and can connect you to licensed professionals in your area who specialize in Perinatal Mental Health. You don’t have to suffer alone. Come, be known, and be supported.
By Miranda Mathis, LMSW, CADC, PMH-C
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