Some new parents may feel anxious and depressed, cry for no clear reason, have trouble sleeping and making decision, lose their appetite, and become angry at their newborn, other children, or partner. These symptoms, often referred to as the “baby blues,” typically last a few days to two weeks.
In contrast, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders involve intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety that last longer than two weeks and affect the new parent’s day-to-day functioning. Up to one in five females [1] and one in ten males experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders [2].
Examples of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders include:
Depression
Bipolar
Psychosis
Generalised anxiety disorder
Panic
Obsessive and compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
These disorders can affect people at any time during their lives. However, there is an increased risk during the personal period and symptoms can have a unique presentation.
Risk Factors
Evidence-based risk factors associated with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders include:
Personal and/or family history of psychiatric/psychological disorders
Endocrine dysfunction (e.g., diabetes, thyroid imbalance, fertility challenges)
Complications in pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding
Ambivalence to parenthood / unplanned pregnancy
Negative/traumatic experiences of childhood
Current intimate partner violence
Inadequate partner and/or social support
Childcare stress [4]
Steps to Wellness
Here are some steps new parents can take to enhance their well-being:
Adequate sleep to recharge and restore your body so you can be healthy and take care of yourself and family
Good nutrition (focus on proteins, whole grains, and vegetables) aids recovery from pregnancy and childbirth
Exercise relieves stress, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood
Practical help from others to ensure you have time to rest and for yourself
Emotional support from family and friends provide connection, understanding, and sometimes ideas that may help solve problems
Sometimes, new parents may find it beneficial to share their feelings and/or challenges they experience in their new role to mental health professionals.
Effective Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) has been consistently found to be effective for the treatment of perinatal depression [5] and anxiety [6]. The goal of CBT is to help new parents find balance with acceptance and change via various therapeutic components, such as:
Cognitive restructuring to identify, evaluate, and change dysfunctional patterns of thinking
Emotional regulation skills to cope with intense feelings
Communication and interpersonal skills to ask for what you need and build positive relationships
Activity scheduling to engage in enjoyable activities that are aligned with your values
Imaginal exposure to help you confront and overcome your fears by gradually exposing yourself to the things that make you anxious or afraid
As a parent of two young girls myself, I am passionate to help new parents adjust to their new identities and cope with the emotional challenges of parenthood.
Related trainings completed:
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy Training by Postpartum Support International
Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care by Postpartum Support Internal
References
[1] Prevatt, B., & Desmarais, S. L. (2017). Facilitators and barriers to disclosure of postpartum mood disorder symptoms to a healthcare provider. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 22, 120-129. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-017-2361-5
[2] Habib, C. (2012). Paternal perinatal depression: An overview and suggestions towards an intervention model. Journal of Family Studies, 18(1), 4-16. https://doi.org/10.5172/jfs.2012.18.1.4
[3] Hutchens, B., F., & Kearney, J. (2020). Risk factors for postpartum depression: An umbrella review. Journey of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 65(1), 96-108. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.13067
[4] Blount, A. J., Adams, C. R., Anderson-Berry, A. L., Hanson, C., Schneider, K., & Pendyala, G. (2021). Biopsychosocial factors during the perinatal period: Risks, preventative factors, and implications for healthcare professionals. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18, 8206. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158206
[5] Cuijpers, P., & Karyotaki, E. (2021). The effects of psychological treatment of perinatal depression: An overview. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 24, 801-806. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-021-01159-8
[6] Marchesi, C., Ossola, P., Amerio, A., Daniel, B. D., Tonna, M., & De Panfilis, C. (2016). Clinical management of perinatal anxiety disorders: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 190(15), 543-550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2015.11.004
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