Did you Know?
Approximately 1 in 5 to 1 in 7 women experience perinatal depression or anxiety. Studies show that rate has increased to 1 in 3 during the Covid 19 pandemic. That is approximately 36% of pregnant or new moms. Women are experiencing depression and anxiety at alarming rates. This does not account for the women that are experiencing PTSD, Bipolar disorder, or Psychosis in the postpartum period which has also increased during this time.
The brain changes during pregnancy and postpartum. Couple this with decreased support, increase of health worries and anxiety, grief/loss reactions, and more and we have the perfect storm for mental health concerns amongst new mothers.
What Can We Do?
Mama’s need Support! You need to know that you are not alone. Loneliness and isolation have increased dramatically during the pandemic and those feelings are already common with motherhood.
Reach out to Postpartum Support International. PSI has a provider directory of therapists and psychiatrists in the area that are specifically trained in treating perinatal mental health concerns. They also have support groups, resources, and help lines for mamas in need.
Get individual therapy with a therapist you trust. If you cannot find a therapist on Postpartum Support International, a great resource is Psychology Today. Therapists are listed by zip code and include bios which indicate their specialties and insurance/self-pay options.
Medication management. The brain LITERALLY changes during pregnancy and postpartum. Sometimes this means that medications can be a helpful form of treatment. Reach out to a trusted practitioner that specializes in Perinatal Mental Health issues.
Join a support group. You need to know you are not alone. Other mamas struggle. Being a mom is hard, especially when struggling with depression and anxiety on top of it.
Take care of yourself. Hydrate. Eat when you can. Sleep when you can. Move your body. Walk when the weather is nice. Journal. Meditate. Take deep breaths. Take a little time for yourself.
MAMA – YOU ARE NOT ALONE! You are the perfect mama for your baby. With help and the correct treatment, you can be well. Please do not hesitate to reach out for support.
Call: (815) 707-4806 for help, there's hope!
Resources:
Brigham and Women’s Hospital News Release, Dec. 1, 2020
Postpartum Support International, https://www.postpartum.net/