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MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH
We provide guidance and support, delivered with compassion, to help families understand perinatal mental health and connect with the right resources.
MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH KEY STATISTICS
These numbers reflect how common perinatal mood and anxiety disorders really are and why early awareness, support, and access to care matter for every parent.
1 in 5 pregnant and postpartum mothers are diagnosed with a perinatal mood disorder.
1 in 4 mothers with depression have thoughts of harming herself.
1 in 10 new fathers suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in postpartum women.
OVERVIEW
YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS.
Dear mom, we’re glad you’re here. We know how important your role is and how much you give, work, and sacrifice for your family. Pregnancy and early parenthood can bring many emotional changes, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. You are not alone, and you don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can affect anyone and may result from a combination of biological, emotional, and life circumstances. Stress, past experiences, changes in relationships, limited support, pregnancy or birth complications, and the many demands of caring for a new baby can all contribute. But having risk factors does not mean you will experience a mental health condition-and with the right support, recovery is possible.
At PPSC, we provide a safe, judgment-free place to start. We listen, help you understand what you’re experiencing, and connect you with trusted resources, peer support, and compassionate guidance. You are not alone, and support is available.
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1 IN 5
new and expectant parents experience perinatal mental health conditions
UNDERSTANDING PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH
TYPES OF PERINATAL MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS (PMADs)
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are associated with increased risks of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and are recognized as a significant patient safety issue. While postpartum depression is the most commonly discussed PMAD, there is a much broader class of psychiatric conditions commonly encountered by women of reproductive age. Although the term “postpartum depression” is most often used, there are several types of illness that women may experience, including:
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Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Bipolar Disorders
Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Psychosis
ANXIETY IN PREGNANT AND NEW MOTHERS
WHAT IS PERINATAL ANXIETY?
Perinatal anxiety involves the changes to one’s thoughts, actions, feelings, and bodily sensations during pregnancy and after the baby is born. Everyone feels anxious sometimes, but some people find it hard to control their worries. Some people with anxiety also have panic attacks, which can be very frightening.
It’s natural to feel a bit anxious when you're pregnant or after your child is born. But if you feel anxious most of the time and find it difficult to relax you may need help. Anxiety often happens along with perinatal depression, but it can come on its own, too.
Some pregnant or new mothers feel distressed or guilty about feeling anxious or panicky when everyone expects them to be happy. Anxiety is a mental health condition and not a sign of weakness, or something that will go away on its own, or that you should just ‘snap out of’.
WHAT TO EXPECT
YOU'RE NOT ALONE SEE HOW WE HELP
Explore compassionate maternal mental health resources, screening, peer support, and professional guidance designed to help every mother feel supported and understood.
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PERINATAL DEPRESSION FACTS
WHAT IS PRENATAL OR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?
Depression is a mood disorder that can affect women during pregnancy, within a year after childbirth, miscarriage, or infant loss. Depression in pregnancy is called prenatal depression, while depression after giving birth is called postpartum depression or PPD. Women with depression experience feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that may make it difficult for them to take care of themselves or others.
WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION IN PERINATAL WOMEN?
Prenatal or postpartum depression does not have a single cause, but likely results from a combination of physical and emotional factors. Depression does not occur because of something a mother does or does not do.
After childbirth, the levels of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in a woman’s body quickly drop. This leads to chemical changes in her brain that may trigger mood swings. In addition, many mothers are unable to get the rest they need to fully recover from giving birth. Constant sleep deprivation can lead to physical discomfort and exhaustion, which can contribute to the symptoms of postpartum depression.
IN THEIR WORDS
WHAT DOES POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION FEEL LIKE?
Parents describe it to us like this. If any of these sound like your inner voice, you deserve support.
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“It feels scary.”
“It feels like I’m never going to feel like myself again.”
“It feels like no one understands.”
“It feels like I’m a bad mother.”
“It feels like I can't get anything done.”
“It feels like I have no patience for anything anymore.”
“It feels like I’m going crazy.”
“It feels like I will always feel like this.”
“It feels out of control.”
“It feels like a day will never end.”
“It feels like my marriage cannot survive this.”
“It feels like I’m a failure.”
“It feels like I should never have had this baby.”
“It feels like if I could only get a good night's sleep, everything would be better.”
“It feels like I can't stop yelling.”
WHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER?
BIPOLAR DISORDER IN PREGNANT AND NEW MOTHERS
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness marked by extreme mood shifts. Symptoms can include an extremely elevated mood called mania or low time called depression. Many women are diagnosed for the first time with bipolar depression or mania during pregnancy or postpartum.
The criteria for a diagnosis of a bipolar mood disorder is that the symptoms last longer than one week and interfere with functioning and relationships. Sometimes the highs and lows seem to happen at almost the same time; this is called a mixed episode. These cycles and emotional states are more than the moodiness of pregnancy or postpartum.
Many women with bipolar disorder have healthy pregnancies and babies, but there are some risks around having a baby with the condition.
If you have bipolar disorder you may be at risk of:
Developing postpartum psychosis, particularly with a family history.
Developing postnatal depression during or after your pregnancy.
Your condition coming back during pregnancy, causing relapse.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PMADS?
The encouraging news is that there’s a range of health professionals and treatments to help with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Your primary physician or other health professionals can develop a treatment plan that’s tailored for your needs, situation, and preferences. Suggested treatments are likely to include a combination of emotional and practical support, plus psychological therapy and medication, depending on the severity of your condition.
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Strong Support System.
Adequate Sleep.
Social Support.
Support Groups.
Medication.
Journaling.
Practical Help.
Perinatal Classes.
Psychotherapy.
Maternal Mental Health Peer Counseling.
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"If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking of suicide, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) - free, confidential support, 24/7. In an emergency, call 911."
POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS
WHAT IS POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS?
Postpartum psychosis is a very serious mental illness that begins suddenly in the first few days or weeks after having a baby. It should be treated with professional help.
Psychosis is when a person loses touch with reality. They may start to see, hear, and/or believe things that aren’t true. This effect can be very dangerous for a new mother and her baby.
Of the women who develop postpartum psychosis, research has suggested that there are approximately a 5% suicide rate and a 4% infanticide rate associated with the illness. This is because the woman experiencing psychosis is experiencing a break from reality. In her psychotic state, the delusions and beliefs make sense to her; they feel very real to her and are often religious. Immediate treatment for a woman going through psychosis is imperative.
It is also important to know that many survivors of postpartum psychosis never had delusions containing violent commands. Delusions take many forms, and not all of them are destructive. Most women who experience postpartum psychosis do not harm themselves or anyone else. However, there is always the risk of danger because psychosis includes delusional thinking and irrational judgment, and this is why women with this illness must be quickly assessed, treated, and carefully monitored by a trained healthcare perinatal mental health professional.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO NAVIGATE THIS ALONE.
PPSC is here to help families find the support, resources, and connections they need. Reaching out is the first step-and we're ready when you are. Your support helps PPSC provide essential resources, education, mental health support, and community connections to families across Marin County-all at no cost to them.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know about this service. Still have questions? Call our warm line.