PERINATAL MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS (PMADs)

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD's) incorporate prenatal, pregnancy or postpartum mood changes that can include Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis in both birthing people and partners, as well as families that adopt or welcome a child via surrogacy.

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Symptoms can include:

• constant worry or racing thoughts

• crying and sadness

• disturbances to sleep and appetite 

• thoughts of harming yourself or baby 

• feelings of irritability, anger and rage

• lack of interest in the baby or older children

• loss of interest in things that previously brought you joy

• feelings of excessive guilt or shame

• physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or hot flashes

• panic or anxiety attacks.  

Some people might experience these symptoms while going through fertility treatments, in pregnancy or in the postpartum period. PMAD's can look very different for every person and with each pregnancy. Sometimes these symptoms can feel terrifying and bring on feelings of shame or guilt because this is not what we anticipated to experience on this perinatal journey. These symptoms may also be the result of a pregnancy or infant loss or pregnancy release.

You are not alone. Many people experience these symptoms and you do not have to suffer through it. Check out the website for more information as well as community supports. If you need more help finding local resources please email us. 

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Learn more about each type of PMAD below by clicking on the links. There is a downloadable brochure for each PMAD as well as a section dedicated to coping skills and strategies for managing symptoms. Download the entire brochure here.