The #1 complication of childbearing

Perinatal mental health conditions (also known as “PMADs”) occur during the perinatal period (pre-conception, pregnancy, postpartum, infant loss) and affect not only the moms but the entire family unit. PMADs are more common than people expect. At least 1 in 5 mothers experiences depression or anxiety, and over 90% of new mothers will have intrusive thoughts about their baby. The perinatal period is a vulnerable time in a woman's life. But there is hope; perinatal mental health conditions are treatable.

Perinatal mental health conditions

Examples of perinatal mental health conditions include Prenatal Depression or Anxiety, Postpartum Anxiety or Depression (PPD), Postpartum Panic Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (P-PTSD), Perinatal OCD, Bipolar Disorders, Complex Grief Disorder, and Postpartum Psychosis. You do not need a diagnosis to reach out for help or to begin counseling at Harmony.

Symptoms & risk factors

Symptoms can start at any time during the delicate perinatal period and vary in severity. The most common are:

• Anger, irritability, or rage

• Difficulty sleeping and eating

• Frequent crying and sadness

• Feeling of guilt, shame (feeling like a “bad mom”), or hopelessness

• Loss of interest, joy, or pleasure in things you used to enjoy

• Possible thoughts of harming your baby or yourself

• Constant anxiety, worry, racing thoughts, panic, and restlessness

• Flashbacks of a traumatic event (e.g., traumatic childbirth, miscarriage, infant loss, NICU)

• Self-isolation

• Rigidity in parenting and difficulty leaving the child

A history of mental health disorders is the strongest predictor of developing a perinatal mental health condition. High-risk moms include those with: a lack of support, financial stress, history of abuse, marital stress, unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, complications in pregnancy/birth/lactation, major recent life event (loss, moving, job change), parents of multiples, NICU families, fertility challenges, and infant loss.

You are not alone

If this sounds like something you are currently struggling with, please know that perinatal mental health conditions are treatable, and Harmony Counseling is here to help. We offer virtual perinatal mental health counseling to women throughout Michigan.

Learn more about licensed professional counselor Rachel Mills, who has specialized training, experience, and expertise in supporting women’s perinatal mental health.

If you are a provider or organization seeking perinatal mental health consultation with Harmony, please visit: https://www.harmonyconsulting.co/, to learn more.