Having a baby can bring with it a whirlwind of emotions – happy ones like joy, hope and excitement, but also troubling feelings such as anxiety, fear and depression.
Many women feel ashamed of these emotions and do not seek out the help they need. According to Dr. Ariel Dalfen, removing the stigma and creating awareness about mental health issues surrounding pregnancy is a critical part of knowing when to get help. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms for longer than two weeks, be sure to speak with a health-care professional:
Feelings of intense sadness, anger, irritability or anxiety- Drastic changes in mood, motivation or appetite
- Insomnia
- Extreme fatigue
- Difficulty bonding with baby
- Feelings of shame, guilt or inadequacy
- Withdrawal from loved ones and everyday activities
- Thoughts of harmful behaviors toward baby or self
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