This morning I attended a webinar hosted by Postpartum Support International (PSI) and 2020 Mom Project. The webinar “An Introduction to Maternal Mental Health” taught by Birdie Gunyon Meyer, RN, MA, CLC, PSI Education & Training Chairperson. Postpartum Support International promotes awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing. 2020 Mom Project seeks to bring about change by the year 2020 to address the maternal mental health crisis.
Perinatal (during pregancy and postpartum) Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMAD)
- Perinatal Depression
- Perinatal Anxiety Disorders
- Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Postpartum Psychosis
- Perinatal Bipolar Disorder (covered in the webinar, but unfortunately no link on PSI’s website). Before, during and after my pregnancy, I was treated for depression. I was not diagnosed with bipolar disorder until my son was 27-months old and I recognized the symptoms of manic euphoria.
Screening Questions (among others)
- Are you feeling sad or depressed?
- Do you feel more irritable or angry with those around you?
- Are you having difficulty bonding with your baby?
- Do you feel anxious or panicky?
- Are you having problems with eating or sleeping?
- Are you having upsetting thoughts that you can’t get out
of your mind? - Do you feel as if you are “out of control” or “going crazy”?
- Do you feel like you never should have become a mother?
- Are you worried that you might hurt your baby or yourself?
The mental health of both mothers and their partners can be affected.
Get Help
- You are not alone.
- You are not to blame.
- You can feel better with help.
Resources
- Postpartum Support International Warm Line: 1-800-944-4PPD (4773)
- Postpartum Support International Resources
- 2020 Mom Project Resources List
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