Frequently asked questions

---

Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders are very common affecting 1 in 5 birthing people every year and can occur any time during pregnancy or up to the first year postpartum. When left untreated they can have a lifelong impact on both the parent and child.  PMAD’s are part of a full spectrum of mental illness including:

• Postpartum Depression (PPD)
• Postpartum Anxiety/Panic Disorder (PPA)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Postpartum Psychosis (Although rare, it is considered a true medical emergency)

Depression:

• Feeling completely overwhelmed
• Waves of constant sadness and guilt
• Sudden bursts of anger and rage (yes, rage!)
• Not feeling bonded to baby or that the baby might be better off without you
• Feeling like a huge burden to friends and family
• Feeling numb and disconnected
• Problems focusing or concentrating on tasks
• Ongoing sleep problems that only make you feel
• worse
• Difficulty eating and even drinking
• A sense of something bad happening

Anxiety:

• Feeling restless or the constant need to be moving or doing something at all times
• Overwhelmed by constant and irrational fears
• Can’t settle down; relaxation is impossible
• Ongoing insomnia and other sleep problems even though you’re exhausted
• Difficulty eating and loss of appetite
• Other physical symptoms including headache, nausea, chest pain, racing heart and dizziness
• Intrusive thoughts – these are best described as quick flashes of scary situations that pop into your head and make you feel afraid to be alone with the baby

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):

• Intrusive thoughts – these are best described as quick flashes of scary situations that pop into your head and make you feel afraid to be alone with the baby
• Tremendous feelings of guilt or shame
• Repetitive rituals like counting, cleaning, and extreme measures to protect baby

Bipolar Disorder

• Continual cycles of depression to mania. Manic episodes are periods of intense high energy and mood followed by a deep plummet to depression.
• Rapid speech
• Little need for sleep
• Racing thoughts, trouble concentrating
• Continuous high energy
• Overconfidence
• Delusions (often grandiose, but including paranoid)
• Impulsiveness, poor judgment, distractibility

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Intrusive re-experiencing of a past traumatic event (which in this case may have been the childbirth itself)
• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Avoidance of stimuli associated with the event, including thoughts, feelings, people, places and details of the event
• Persistent increased arousal (irritability, difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response)
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Feeling a sense of unreality and detachment

Psychosis:

• Delusions, suspiciousness or strange beliefs, especially of grandeur or paranoia 
• Hallucinations 
• Hyperactivity 
• Feeling agitated and irritated 
• Decreased need for sleep and inability to sleep
• Rapid mood swings 
• Trouble communicating at times due to jumbled speech or tangled thoughts.

These conditions are typically triggered by the rapid hormone changes that occur after childbirth, but they are more likely to occur in those who have a history of mood disorders, a genetic or family history of these disorders, or a history of substance abuse or addiction. Further stresses from parenthood, including sleep deprivation, worry about the infant, feeling overwhelmed, or failing to meet personal expectations can contribute to worsening perinatal mood disorder symptoms. In addition to environmental stresses from parenting and biological factors, a lack of social support and cultural expectations around motherhood and fatherhood can also contribute to symptoms getting worse if they are not addresse

The word treatment can feel overwhelming but it's important to know that it looks different for everyone, yet it does usually require professional support. Treatment plans may include: 

• In-home support so you can sleep or take a break 
• Social support from friends and family
• Journaling
• Attending a support group
• nutrition support with the help of a naturopath
• professional counselling, specifically Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 
• medication with the support of your family doctor or psychiatrist.

The decision to start medication can be intimidating but rest assured there are many safe medications that can provide relief while breastfeeding. Many new parents focus solely on the potential side effects of medication while not realizing the side effects of untreated Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders on the development of their child and the health of their family relationships. It’s important to make an informed choice that feels best for you. You deserve to feel healthy! If you have questions it's best to speak with your care provider about options and we are here to help if you need support.

Most new mothers/birthing people – experts estimate about 80% — experience mood swings and weepiness during the first 2-3 weeks after giving birth. One minute you feel happy, the next minute you may start to cry. You may feel sad, have a hard time concentrating, lose your appetite or find that you can’t sleep well even when the baby is asleep. New mothers/birthing people who are experiencing these symptoms have what is known as the “baby blues”. The baby blues usually start about 3 to 4 days after delivery, resolving within 2-3 weeks,are considered a normal adjustment period and resolve without any medical assistance. However, some people have more severe symptoms or symptoms that last longer than a few days. This would suggest an underlying Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorder and increased support needed. 

Having a strong support system is a vital piece to the recovery process. Often times support people are unsure how to help their partner who is struggling but there are many ways to provider support such as:

• Offering to care for the baby/children while the struggling parent sleeps.
• It may seem like a small gesture but in reality, having help around the house with things like laundry, cleaning or food prep can make a world of difference.
• Offering a non judgemental space to share how one might be feeling is very helpful. Instead of offering suggestions which can add more stress, offer validation while reassuring your support.
• Support their treatment plan which may include reminders for medication, support in following any exercises/ journaling plan suggested by a counselor and ensure they make it to their scheduled appointments.

No. The support provided at the Regina Perinatal Health Network is FREE of charge thanks to the generous support of our donors. If you would like more information on how we can help, contact us today and we can chat more about your specific needs.