What are perinatal mood & anxiety disorders (PMADs)?
A perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) is a common mental health condition that can occur during pregnancy and postpartum, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and other illnesses. A person experiencing a PMAD may have a range of symptoms, such as:
- Feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness
- Racing thoughts
- Appetite and sleep disturbances
- Intrusive thoughts
- Difficult bonding with your baby
Any parent or caregiver including mothers, fathers, non-gestational partners, or those who become parents by adoption or surrogacy can experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder in the first year postpartum. A person can experience one or more PMADs at a time including:
- Postpartum depression
- Perinatal anxiety disorder
- Bipolar spectrum disorder
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Postpartum psychosis
Being a parent or caregiver of a newborn can be an incredibly wonderful and yet overwhelming experience, and it’s normal to feel both. If you are a caregiver of a newborn and feel more sad, tired, nervous, or distraught than you think you should be, you might be experiencing a PMAD. It's important to know that PMADs are treatable, and many resources are available to help you recover. You can find help from community supports, your healthcare provider, or other supports included here.
Can fathers experience postpartum depression?
Paternal postpartum depression affects about 1 in 10 fathers worldwide. Fathers or partners with postpartum depression can experience a range of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes including sadness, anger, anxiety, and exhaustion that can interfere with day-to-day life and routines. New parents often get little sleep and face new, growing responsibilities that may cause stress and anxiety, all of which can lead to depression.
If you are experiencing any signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, ask for help from your healthcare provider. You can also find more information in the paternal resources below:
What are my options for support and treatment?
Counseling and therapy
Both counseling and therapy can be effective ways to help parents address their feelings, thoughts, and actions. Parents struggling with PMADs can benefit from therapy by learning new ways to cope with stress and manage their feelings. Including significant others such as spouses and other family members in treatment can also help improve communication and gain their support during difficult times. Counseling can be tailored to meet your individual needs. Counseling sessions can be held in person or virtually, either through one-on-one sessions or a formal group therapy program, depending on what works best for you.
Medication
There are psychiatric medications which are safe and effective during pregnancy and lactation and can be used to treat PMADs. Contact your health care provider to discuss whether medications could be helpful for you.
Support groups
Support groups can be helpful in a variety of ways, including:
- Helping parents make connections with other parents struggling with PMADs
- Learning helpful and practical coping skills from other parents
- Reduces a sense of isolation
You can use the resources below to find a support group near you:
- Support Groups for Mothers & Expectant Mothers | MCPAP for Moms
- Parent Support Groups | Jewish Family & Children’s Service
- Free Online Support Groups including BIPOC Groups | PSI
Helplines
- Massachusetts Postpartum Support International (PSI)
A toll-free and confidential warm line that provides support, listings of local counselors, support groups, and information in Massachusetts. Leave a message and a trained volunteer or staff person will return your call within 24 hours. Available in Spanish.
Phone: (866) 472-1897
Email: psiofmass@gmail.com - National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
24/7, free, confidential hotline for pregnant and new parents. Available in English and Spanish.
Phone: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) - Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line
Available 24/7, including holidays. Free, confidential, and no health insurance is required. Real-time interpretation in 200+ languages.
Call or text (833) 773-2445
Additional strategies & resources
In addition to therapy, support groups, and medication, many parents benefit from other resources including breastfeeding supports, home visiting services, or doula services. Other activities such as yoga, exercise, or meditation can also help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Many local libraries, community centers, and community organizations host gatherings and groups for new parents. Check local resources and social media to find out how you can connect with other new parents.