Where Can I get Support for My Mental Health in the Perinatal Time Period?
- Kelley Nazarian
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Postpartum Depression is defined as sadness/crying, inability to bond, anger, lack of sleep/lack of appetite, guilt or shame, loss of interest in families/hobbies. It can be considered baby blues if disappears after 2 weeks. But there are other kinds of perinatal mood disorders (also known as PNADS) as well. There is Postpartum Anxiety, which is constant fear/worry, racing thoughts, anger/irritability/rage, inability to sleep. There is Postpartum OCD- Intrusive thoughts, compulsions, fear of being alone w/baby, hypervigilance. There is Postpartum PTSD- Panic attacks, flashbacks/nightmares, intrusive & vivid thoughts, avoidance of triggers. And lastly, Postpartum Psychosis- Delusions/irrational thinking, hallucinations (auditory or visual), extreme paranoia, hyperactivity/mania, rapid mood swings.
Resources If Not Immediate Emergency
Family should be the first call if non-emergency, then Therapists/psychiatrists who specializes in pmads, has immediate availability for new clients and takes insurance. Here is a resource that that can be used in finding a therapist (As an example, I put the town specific to me on the end):
Psychology Today: http://psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/pregnancy-prenatal-postpartum/nj/bloomfield
Resources For A Crisis
Assess first to see if the symptoms exhibit crisis. For example, safety (does 911 need to be called to assess for a maternal mental health crisis)
Suicidal Thoughts & Ideations (If feeling very detached):
Hotlines & Warmlines
National Suicide Hotline
Text HOME to 741741
Call 1-800-273-8255
Postpartum Support International
1-800-944-4773 (warmline #, call if not quite sure who to connect client to)
Postpartum psychosis coordinator
Depending on urgency, it might be appropriate to reach out to mental health professional such as a therapist/lcsw, psychiatrists, or an already established one. Ask how quickly can be seen
