Maternal Mental Health

You are not alone. 

Maternal Mental Health Disorders (also referred to as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders or PMADs) are the most common complication of childbirth. At least 1 in 5 new mothers are affected by perinatal mental illness; within this 15-20% very few reach out for the help that they so desperately need and deserve. My greatest hope is for parental mental health to be prioritized as a component of routine prenatal and postpartum health care.

Maternal Mental Health Disorders

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders include: prenatal depression and anxiety, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and panic disorder, postpartum traumatic stress disorder, prenatal and postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorders, and postpartum psychosis. 

Occurrence & Onset 

These illnesses can occur during pregnancy (prenatal onset) and up to twelve months after birth (postpartum onset). It is important to be aware that these illnesses may also follow pregnancy loss and adoption. As well, if these illnesses are left untreated the symptoms may not resolve by the twelve month mark. Sharing this information with your health care provider can help to ensure that you receive appropriate and timely treatment.

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Preparing for Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period

By engaging in therapy as you prepare for pregnancy (or during pregnancy) we are provided with an opportunity to screen and assess for factors which may indicate an increased risk for developing a mental health issue during or after pregnancy. By implementing measures to support your wellness during the prenatal and postpartum periods, the chance of occurrence and/or the severity of an illness can be reduced. 

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Treatment: The Path to Wellness

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are temporary and treatable with informed professional care. If you believe that you (or someone you love) may be experiencing a maternal mental illness please know that this is not your/their fault; you/they have done nothing wrong to have caused this. By connecting to care, you have already taken the first step of your recovery!

Fathers are affected too

10 to 25% of father's experience mood and anxiety disorders during the perinatal period - from conception, up to twelve months after the birth of their baby. These illnesses include: depression, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and psychosis (though very rare in men). 

Postpartum Depression

1 in 10 fathers experience postpartum depression. The most current research indicates that if a mother is experiencing postpartum depression - there is a 50% chance (1 in 2) that her partner is experiencing depression. 

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What are the potential contributors?

There are a significant number of changes occurring for a father as he transitions into his new parental role. He may be experiencing a lack of sleep, identity and role shifts, relationship changes, financial pressures, and expectations set to be more involved in his fathering (than what might have been modeled to him by previous generations). In addition, research studies are showing that fathers experience hormonal changes; these shifts are connected to the occurrence of post-partum depression.

Fathers may also ensue higher levels of stress during the perinatal period which increases the risk of developing a mood and/or anxiety disorder. It's helpful to know that a father may experience a new (first) episode of an illness or a relapse, if there is history of mental health issues. 

Whole-family Care

A father's mental health is integral to the well-being of the whole family. The most meaningful and loving contribution a father can make to his family is himself - being involved, engaged, and emotionally available to his partner and their children. Reaching out for support and taking care of your health - to care for your family to the best of your ability - is an incredible act of love.