Happy May! Not only is May the month of Mama, but it is also Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month.
Motherhood can be beautiful. Motherhood can be brutal. A mom's mental health can make all the difference.
Did you know that at least 1 in 5 moms experience a Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorder? Did you know that what was previously called Postpartum Depression (PPD) can actually begin during pregnancy? Perinatal refers to the time between pregnancy or 12 months before delivery to 1-2 years after delivery. This is the time when moms are the most at risk of experiencing a Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorder (PMAD). The most common types of PMAD's are depression and anxiety.
We talk often about the baby blues, but what isn't talked about is what happens if those baby blues last longer or get worse. If you are not feeling yourself outside of the 2-week window of baby blues, it is worth reaching out for support. Symptoms might include:
hopelessness
overwhelming loneliness
intrusive/scary thoughts
abnormal anger or rage
excessive fatigue yet difficulty sleeping
lack of connection to baby
If you experience any or all of these, you are not a bad mom. You are a wonderful mom who needs more support. And that is absolutely okay! Ask for help. You don't have to suffer in silence. You are not alone.
If you feel like you could benefit from additional support in motherhood, contact Jenna@Milescounseling.com and I can assist in connecting you to local postpartum resources.
Strength & love in motherhood,
Jenna
Comments