Maternal Mental Health & Perinatal Mood Disorders
At The Ogden Center for Change we recognize that pregnancy and motherhood can be one of the greatest joys, but the beauty of parenting can also be filled with moments of darkness, isolation, fear and sadness. At times it can feel impossible, but there is hope and support available.
While most new mothers experience some mood swings and tearfulness in the first 2-3 weeks following birth, about 15 to 20% of women experience more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety. Parents of every age, income level, culture and race can develop perinatal mental health disorders. “Perinatal” refers to the time all around birth, including pregnancy and up to the first year after the birth of a child; symptoms can appear any time during this time frame.
Although the term “postpartum depression” is most often used, there are actually several forms of illness that parents may experience, including: postpartum anxiety (including obsessive compulsive disorder), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychosis.
