Peripartum Mood Disorders

Peripartum mood disorders describe the mental health problems that some women experience from the time they become pregnant up to a year after a baby’s birth.
Approximately 1 million people a year – including a few men - will struggle with a perinatal mood disorder. It can happen regardless of age, race, education or ...
Postpartum depression – which occurs after the baby is born - is just one peripartum mood disorder. It is also the most common complication of childbirth.
Other peripartum mood disorders include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety.
You can have a mood disorder and not feel depressed. That’s because the symptoms of peripartum mood disorders vary.
Symptoms could include trouble sleeping, even if you are tired.
Symptoms could include frequent crying and/or frequent mood swings.
Symptoms could include feelings of loneliness, sadness, or helplessness.
Symptoms could include excessive anxiety, panic, worry or energy.
Symptoms could include a general lack of interest in life.
Symptoms could include repetitive or suspicious thoughts that won’t go away, especially thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby.
Symptoms could include difficulty bonding with, or lack of feeling towards, your baby.
Symptoms could include excessive fear of being left alone with your baby.
Symptoms could include hearing voices or sounds that other people don’t hear.

If being a mom doesn’t feel like it should, please contact the Peripartum Mood Disorders program at Hartford Hospital’s Institute of Living at 860.545.7104.

CREDIT:
The Institute of Living: Peripartum Mood Disorders Program
Washington Post: Eight things you didn't know about perinatal mood disorders

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Peripartum Mood Disorders