Did you know that around 1 in 5 women experience mental health issues during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth? Although so many women experience these issues, many go without proper treatment and support for several reasons. Women may be scared to speak out about their struggles for fear of judgment, many healthcare providers do not routinely screen for mental health conditions in pregnant people and new parents, and many people find it difficult to get a referral or access proper services for treatment.
The good news is more and more people are sharing their experiences with mental health during and after pregnancy, and accessible resources for women and families are available now more than ever.
Struggling with Mental Health During Pregnancy
What do Maternal Mental Health Issues Look Like?
Struggling with Mental Health During Pregnancy: For those managing a mental health condition during pregnancy, the feelings may be very intense. Some women feel very sad, angry, withdrawn, or hopeless during this time, which is not typical for them.
Continued Struggles After the Baby Arrives: These feelings are more intense than what some people call the “baby blues” and last longer. The strong feelings of sadness, anxiety, and overwhelm can make it hard for women to take care of themselves or their new baby and/or other children.
Changes in Typical Activities: People struggling with mental health issues after having a baby may withdraw from friends and family, lose interest, joy, or pleasure in the things they used to enjoy, or may sleep or eat more or less than usual.
Rare, but Serious, Concerns: Some women experience more concerning symptoms like thoughts of harming themselves or the baby or may feel a deep sense of hopelessness. In rare cases, some women may hear or see things that aren’t there or feel very confused. Any of these signs could indicate a serious issue and a need for immediate health care provider support.
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