Watch on YouTube:
Behind The Sessions: Recognizing Perinatal Mental Health Symptoms in Yourself
We are covering an important topic today because many people don’t realize that they are dealing with a perinatal mental health condition. They might even think their experience is “normal.” There is not enough information and awareness around what to look for and what to do about your symptoms. We simply aren’t taught how to recognize common symptoms and signs that we need help. My goal in this episode is to give context to perinatal mental health conditions and increase awareness while decreasing any shame and stigma.
Behind The Sessions: Recognizing Perinatal Mental Helath Symptoms in Yourself Show Highlights:
- Stigma and shame are silencing.
- Misconceptions about the “baby blues” (NOT the same as postpartum depression!)
- Common symptoms of postpartum depression
- Watch out for rage.
- Handling anxiety and excessive worry that are overwhelming and out of control
- Intrusive thoughts happen to many people, but the stakes are higher when you have a new baby.
- A mental health condition can look like ANY of us.
- Understanding postpartum OCD and its characteristics
- Common symptoms of PTSD
- Understanding the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder
- Postpartum psychosis: a condition that cannot be minimized or dismissed because of the seriousness of paranoia, delusions, erratic behavior, and disorientation
- Tips to follow if you recognize any of these symptoms of perinatal mental health symptoms:
- Acknowledge the symptoms.
- Don’t blame yourself.
- Talk through your feelings with a trusted someone.
- Take the next steps to take care of your basic needs and self-care practices.
- Seek professional help.
- The good news: “ALL of these perinatal mental health conditions are treatable. You CAN get better!”
Resources:
Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov
Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to better support people for whom they provide services.
Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!
Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.
Tools, Skills and Hacks for New Moms
Manage thoughts & feelings of overwhelm
Learn how breathing & grounding help reach calmness
Exercises to find peace
