Motherhood is filled with emotions – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. The rush of oxytocin when you snuggle your baby. The flood of cortisol when fear or frustration takes over. And sometimes, the overwhelming monotony of the day-to-day.
But what happens when those emotions start to feel too heavy? When anxiety, sadness, or even anger begin to take over? When you start asking yourself, Do all new moms feel like this?
For approximately 1 in 5 new moms, maternal mental illness, clinically known as Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), can make those feelings more intense and persistent. And while most moms experience some level of emotional and physical challenges postpartum – typically known as the baby blues – it’s important to recognize when what you’re feeling might be more than just the blues.
If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about the symptoms, what to watch for, and how to find support.
Recognizing the Symptoms
There’s a wide range of feelings that can come with maternal mental illness. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Mood Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, hopelessness, irritability, or mood swings.
Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, loss of appetite, weight changes, insomnia, or panic attacks.
Cognitive Symptoms: Racing thoughts, trouble concentrating, unwanted or intrusive thoughts.
Emotional Symptoms: Feeling disconnected from your baby, overwhelmed, or like you’re “going through the motions.”
Some of these may sound familiar – but when they begin to interfere with daily life, it’s time to reach out for support.
Types of Maternal Mental Illness
It’s important to understand that maternal mental illness isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are some of the most common conditions moms experience:
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
Mothers with postpartum depression experience feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that may make it difficult for them to complete daily care activities for themselves or for others. You may experience some or all of these symptoms:
- Feeling overwhelmed, and wondering if you should have become a mom in the first place.
- Feelings of guilt that you should be a better mom and that your baby deserves better.
- Not feeling a bond with your baby.
- Feeling agitation/rage
- Feeling nothing at all and that you are just going through the motions of the day.
- Feeling extreme sadness and/or hopelessness
- Loss of appetite
BABY BLUES
Within the first few days postpartum, a mother can experience weepiness, anxiety, and overall depression that resolves after a few weeks. Baby blues affects about 70% of new moms.
POSTPARTUM ANXIETY
PPA can cause a new mother to feel extreme worry, often over the baby’s health and safety. Mothers can experience panic attacks, OCD, intrusive thoughts, or a sense of numbness.
POSTPARTUM PTSD
Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can occur after a frightening childbirth or past trauma. Symptoms can include flashbacks, anxiety, or avoidance of things related to traumatic events.
POSTPARTUM BIPOLAR
Bipolar mood disorder can appear as severe depression and is often diagnosed for the first time as bipolar depression or mania. New mothers need informed evaluations to determine a diagnosis & treatment plan.
POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS
Postpartum psychosis can cause a mother to hallucinate, have periods of confusion and distrust of others, or seem manic. This condition is dangerous and needs immediate attention by a medical professional.
You Are Not Alone. Help is Available.
If you’re struggling with any of these symptoms, please know that you are not alone. Many moms have felt this way, and with the right support, things can and will get better.
Join Our Community – Connect with other moms who understand in our online support group.
Attend a Support Group – Join us for one of our weekly groups where you can meet other moms in a judgment-free space.
Motherhood is challenging, but you don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here for you.