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Moms: You’re NOT Alone – Make Time for Your Mental Health and Self-Care

 

Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but it can also be one filled with challenges and new feelings. Many pregnant people, new moms, and parents experience mental and/or emotional health challenges. Remember that you are not alone! Support and resources are available to help you maintain your wellbeing and feel your best.

Maternal Mental Health Challenges

For pregnant people, their mental health can change during or after pregnancy. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) shares that 1 in 3 pregnant people experience anxiety or depression symptoms during or after pregnancy.

Maternal mental health conditions include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Postpartum psychosis
  • And other conditions

To learn more about maternal mental health conditions, visit OC Health Care Agency – Perinatal Mental Health Conditions.

Postpartum Mental Health

After giving birth, it is common and normal to feel a range of emotions. The “baby blues”, which last only a few days to a couple weeks after the baby is born, may include symptoms of:

  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Sadness
  • Feeling overwhelmed
  • Crying
  • Being irritable
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Appetite problems
  • Decreased concentration

Postpartum depression (PPD) may have a lot of symptoms similar to the baby blues at first, but the symptoms are a lot stronger and last longer. Postpartum depression typically starts within the first few weeks to months after giving birth, but can also begin during pregnancy (perinatal depression).  About 1 out of 7 women experience postpartum depression after giving birth. Postpartum depression is NOT your fault.  Help is available; call your health care provider right away! Some signs and symptoms of Postpartum Depression include:

  • Feeling depressed most of the day every day
  • Difficulty bonding with your baby
  • Feeling isolated, disconnected, or guilty
  • Having little interest in things you normally like to do
  • Changes in sleeping or eating habits
  • Intrusive thoughts or constant worries
  • Thinking about hurting yourself or your baby

If you are thinking about hurting yourself or your baby:

  • OC Links | Call: (855) 625-4657 | Chat Now | Available 24/7
  • Always call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies

It’s okay to ask for help! You don’t have to do this alone.

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental and/or emotional health challenges, it is important to reach out for help. Support and resources are available to help birthing people, new moms, and parents navigate new feelings and emotions.

Here are a few ways to take the first step toward feeling more like yourself:

  • Talk to someone you trust. A friend, partner, or family member can help you feel supported.
  • Let your healthcare team know. They’re trained to help support your mental and/or emotional health.
  • Find a therapist. A mental health professional can help you work through your feelings and emotions.
  • Join a support group. A support group is a safe space where you can share your experiences, thoughts, and feelings without judgement.
  • Accept help when it is offered. You deserve to be loved and cared for.
  • Access low-cost community health centers at Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers

Resources

For families affected by substance use: Family Wellness Team Warmline, Call 714-726-5920

Reference

CDPH: Maternal Mental Health

Black Maternal Health
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