Information & Resources
Maternal Mental Health NOW values providing information and resources for families and caregivers as we know that early intervention can influence a speedier recovery. The resources we have available to parents and families include our informational brochure, our MyCare app, our searchable directory, and video and written stories shared by individuals who have experienced perinatal depression and/or anxiety. Our hope is that with these resources, you will find some tools and, if needed, professional care for you and your loved ones.
Feeling depressed or anxious during pregnancy can be experienced in different ways, but here are the most common symptoms:
- Feeling tired for no good reason
- Feeling irritable or angry
- Feeling guilty, ashamed or hopeless
- Feeling so anxious or worried that nothing can calm you down
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling restless
- Feeling like everything is an effort
- Feeling so sad that nothing can cheer you up
- Feeling worthless
- Big changes in appetite — eating significantly more or less than usual
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling like things that you used to enjoy are no longer interesting
- Feeling unable to look forward to anything
- Wanting to blame yourself when things go wrong
- Feeling scared or panicky for no good reason
- Not able to stop crying
- Thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself
- Personal and/or family history of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or other mental illness.
- Untreated postpartum depression during or following previous pregnancies.
- Significant mood changes around the menstrual cycle.
- Depression during the current pregnancy, which is the most significant predictor of postpartum depression.
- Previous or current pregnancy loss.
- Unexpected difficulties during labor and delivery.
- History of trauma including physical, sexual or emotional abuse.
- Racial microaggressions and implicit bias.
- Current stressors related to finances, legal concerns, immigration and/or interpersonal relationships.
Self-care: Make adjustments in your life to reduce stress, such as get exercise, sleep more, or make changes in your diet including drinking lots of water.
Peer Support: Talk to friends and family members who have experienced depression or anxiety during pregnancy. You will quickly learn that you are not alone.
Support Groups: These are groups that meet regularly and are facilitated by a licensed clinician and/or a peer. Facilitators bring topics for conversation and participants leave with more information and friendships with other pregnant people.
Individual Psychotherapy: One-on-one therapy with a psychologist, clinical social worker, or therapist is a safe place to share all your feelings and thoughts about your pregnancy.
Medication: Some expectant parents require medication to manage their depression and/or anxiety and feel like themselves again.
There is not one right way. Each birthing person has their own unique needs and circumstances. Some mothers may need all of the help listed here; others may only need a derivative of one. Ask your healthcare professional what treatment options are available and you can decide together what steps you should take. Or, call Postpartum Support International’s Warm line: 1-800-944-4773
Remember — asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
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DISCLAIMER:
Maternal Mental Health NOW’s resources are not a replacement for professional care. Please review all care choices with your healthcare professional.