Identifying Postpartum Psychosis (And Other pMADs)
Postpartum psychosis affects 1 in 500 mothers after giving birth.
But postpartum psychosis is just the tip of the iceberg, postpartum psychosis is the end of a long road of mental and emotional neglect by the medical system that is required to be aware of the signs and intervene before postpartum psychosis develops.
Postpartum Psychosis is a completely treatable and preventable event.
PMADs stands for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders - which is a broad area covering all adverse mental health experiences in the reproductive period. These PMADs left unnoticed and untreated is what can develop into something more severe. Children of parents who have untreated postpartum depression are more likely to have emotional and behavioral problems, such as sleeping and eating difficulties, crying too much, and delays in language development.
There are signs to be aware of, that can save lives if noticed.
Anyone telling you the isolation or anxiety you’re feeling is “normal” or the “baby blues” is perpetuating a neglectful myth.
Baby blues include some weepiness, feelings of sensitivity, irritability and mood swings. They however do not include intrusive thoughts, thoughts of harming yourself or your children. To be aware of the indicators one may present one or many of, it is important to ask the new parents in your life how they are really doing. If you ask a parent how they are adjusting and they present any of the following you should first, not judge what they are sharing with you. Sharing about negative postpartum experiences is a really difficult thing to do and takes vulnerability, if someone is sharing this with you, they feel safe to and keeping from judgement will keep the space safe. Second, listen to them, hold space, listen reflectively and actively.
If you or your loved one is experiencing the following, it is important to seek active and early support
Feelings of worthlessness, like you can’t do anything right or “good enough”, feeling like a “bad parent” etc
Not enjoying the things you normally do, finding little interest in your hobbies or passions
Intense feelings of anxiety around leaving the baby with trusted or capable loved ones
Having difficulty showering, eating and grooming even with support present
Losing sleep because of negative feelings and despondence or because of anxiety and worrying about the baby
Feeling quick to anger, short tempered, unusually impatient
Abnormally inward or quiet, not open to communicating
Memory loss or forgetfulness
NONE OF THESE ARE CHARACTER FLAWS OR WEAKNESSES, THEY ARE NATURAL PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF A BROKEN REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM THAT LEAVES PARENTS ALONE IN THE MOST DELICATE TIME OF THEIR LIVES. THEY ARE A REALITY, BUT ONE THAT WE CAN CHANGE.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms or wants to find out their risk factors for developing PMADs, please contact me by email for virtual or in person support, or to connect you with local resources - Revolutionaryintentdoula@gmail.com
For immediate help now contact the Perinatal Support Washington Warmline 1-888-404-7763
If you are experiencing crisis and thoughts of self harm dial 911.
