Mental Health After Baby - What to Look For

Today is World Maternal Mental Health Day and this week is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week -- events supported by the National Coalition for Maternal Mental Health, which was formed in 2014 to address the critical public health crisis impacting women and families in the U.S. This May, they are encouraging organizations, communities and individuals to #connectthedots by connecting families, communities, and providers to ensure that new families thrive and get the mental health support that's needed.

Today on the blog, I want to share the top 5 signs/symptoms a parent should look out for, as well as the top 5 signs/symptoms a partner, friend or family member should be aware of when it comes to mental health after the birth of a baby, up to the first couple of years.

Mental Health After Baby - Top 5 Signs Something May Be Wrong (For a Parent)

• Excessive fears about your baby's health, safety, or well-being. 
• Intrusive, frightening thoughts about harming yourself or your baby.
• Drastic changes in mood, appetite, or motivation (more than typical tiredness and irritability associated with newborn days).
• Overwhelming feelings of "emptiness."
• Inability to bond with baby due to feelings of estrangement or disassociation. 

Mental Health After Baby - Top 5 Signs Something May Be Wrong (For a Partner, Family, or Friend)

• Rapid onset or worsening mental condition of the parent.
• Drastic changes in mood, appetite, or motivation (more than typical tiredness and irritability associated with newborn days).
• Not wanting to be left alone with the baby.
• Significant indecisiveness and confusion when needing to make decisions or take action. 
• Signs of excessive fear, worries, or anxiety in the parent. 

If any of the above signs or symptoms appear during the first two years after baby is born, seek professional help, right away. To speak with someone, call the Postpartum Support International Warmline at 1-800-944-4773 to leave a message and receive a free call back. For emergency situations and to speak with someone immediately, call 1-800-273-8255 or dial 911. For a complete list of resources for help, those local to you, visit the PSI website.