Baby Blues or something more?
Did you know that mood disorders are the #1 complication of pregnancy and postpartum?
Not preeclampsia or hemorrhage…mood disorders.
This includes things like postpartum depression, which you’ve likely heard of, but also postpartum anxiety, PTSD, postpartum OCD, and the most serious of them all postpartum psychosis.
Baby Blues
When you have your baby there is a huge hormone shift that occurs which can lead to feeling happy one minute then sad the next. Symptoms include: Mood Swings and feeling so exhausted you may not eat or drink. The thing that distinguishes the “baby blues” from another mood disorder is typically the timing. You should expect this to last maybe 10 days, which is typically the amount of time it takes for the umbilical cord to fall off. If you are still experiencing symptoms past those ten days, its time to think about one of the other mood disorders.
So I think it’s more than the “Baby Blues,” now what?
Lets look at some of the common types of mood disorders and their symptoms. If you want to learn more about all of these disorders, click here.
If you find that you have any of these worrying symptoms, its best to talk with your OB, mental health provider, and in some cases, like if you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others, its best to check in to an ER to get some acute care.
In an emergency
National Crisis Text Line:
Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Call 988
Today there is also a hotline which you can call that specifically can help new parents. Remember you are not alone, and these symptoms are treatable with proper help. This is a 24/7, Free, Confidential Hotline for Pregnant and new moms.
Call or Text 1-833-943-5746
In English and Spanish
Interpreter Services are available in 60 languages.
TTY users can use a preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 1-833-943-5746.
Additionally, Postpartum Support International also has a helpline where you can leave a message and volunteers will return your call.
Postpartum Support Interational HelpLine: 1.800.944.4773
Text in English: 800-944-4773 | Text en Español: 971-203-7773
Are there any support groups available?
Peer support and support groups are an invaluable resource.
Nationally, I recommend PSI’s support groups. They have specific support groups for each type of mood disorder, as well as ones specifically for black moms, NICU moms, infant loss, and more. I would definitely check out their online support groups to see if anything there could help.
I’m in Ohio, is there anything specific for us?
Yes!
There is an organization called Mental Health America of Ohio, with a program called POEM, which is designed to help mothers struggling in Ohio.
From their website, their services include:
Peer-to-Peer Support Line (614-315-8989): The certified peer staff at POEM listens and understands like only peers can. Receive a caring and understanding voice, access to specialized counseling, and/or referrals to support services for pregnancy and infant loss. Learn more about certified peers.
Mentoring Program: Mentors are moms who’ve been there. They can talk through the challenges of motherhood and offer guidance, emotional support, and helpful information when you need it.
Support Groups: Peer support groups meet regularly and offer the opportunity to get support from moms with similar experiences.
Rise Support for Black and African American Moms: Rise provides all POEM services exclusively by and for Black mothers, including a providers of color network. We Rise for Black moms because we know that Black women are at a higher risk for maternal depression/anxiety and are less likely to have their symptoms addressed with quality care.