Mental health plays a big role in a healthy pregnancy. When a person feels anxious, stressed or depressed during pregnancy, it can affect their sleep, appetite and energy levels. This can make it harder to keep up with doctor visits, eat well or prepare for your baby.
High levels of stress and untreated depression or anxiety can also increase the risk of early labor, low birth weight, complications during labor and delivery, and problems with breastfeeding.
Depression During and After Pregnancy
You’ve most likely heard of postpartum depression – which is depression after childbirth. But did you know depression during pregnancy is also common?
Perinatal depression affects women during pregnancy and up to a year following childbirth. Up to 10% of fathers also experience this condition. Symptoms range from mild to severe; in rare cases, the health of the mother and baby could be at risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Perinatal Depression
New parents may feel down sometimes and may even experience the “baby blues” but perinatal depression lasts longer and can be more intense; people generally experience several of the below symptoms at the same time.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, common symptoms include:
- Feeling sad or having a depressed mood.
- Losing pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
- Changes in appetite.
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Loss of energy or increased fatigue.
- Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements/speech. Note: These must be severe enough to be observable by others.
- Feeling worthless or guilty.
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions.
- Thoughts of death or suicide.
- Crying often and for no reason.
- Lack of interest in the baby, not feeling bonded or feeling very anxious about/around the baby.
- Feelings of being a “bad parent.”
- Thoughts of harming the baby or oneself.
It is also very common for individuals to experience anxiety alongside depression.
Postpartum Anxiety
Postpartum anxiety is described by intense feelings of worry and fear that can occur after childbirth. This type of worry is persistent and overwhelming, which can lead to irrational fears about the baby’s health and safety.
Common symptoms include:
- Being unable to breathe or feeling short of breath
- Disrupted sleep
- Feeling tense
- Increased heart palpitations
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
- Restlessness
- Difficulty focusing
- Feeling on edge
- Inability to relax or calm down
- Obsessing over irrational fears
- Panic attacks
- Feeling anxious
- Tearfulness
- Avoidance of people, places or activities
As you can see, many of the symptoms of depression and anxiety are similar in nature.
Knowing When to Get Help
You do not need a formal diagnosis to seek help. If you are struggling, please reach out. Seek help immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Several depression or anxiety symptoms for a period of two weeks or more.
- Thoughts of suicide or harming your baby (Call 911, 988 or go to the nearest emergency department).
- Your depressed feelings are worsening.
- Your anxious thoughts are worsening.
- Having trouble with daily tasks or caring for your baby.
- You’re worrying all day, every day.
- You aren’t bonding with your baby.
Treatment Options
Many parents suffer in silence, believing these symptoms are a “normal” part of parenting. While parenting is stressful, it should also be a time of joy. Treatment is highly effective – don’t be afraid to ask for support.
Some options include:
- Talking with your provider, counselor or therapist: Many people feel better after talking with their doctor or a mental health professional. They are there to listen, provide resources and be a partner on your journey.
- Take a screening: Effective, free and validated screening tools can help you determine if you have depression or anxiety, and the next steps.
- Medication: Some people opt for medication or a combination of therapy and medication. There are several medication options available. If breastfeeding, it is often recommended to try talk therapy first. Work closely with a provider to find compatible antidepressant options if medication is needed.
- Support groups: Talking with others who are going through the same thing can help.
- Connect with supportive family and friends: Ask yourself who you can talk to about your feelings that will be non-judgmental listeners. You need and deserve emotional support from those you trust.
- Self-care: Rest, exercise and healthy food can make a difference. Emphasize protein, whole grains and vegetables. Increase water intake. Decrease caffeine and sugar. Avoid alcohol.
Ready to get help? Consider these Bryan Health resources.
- Free, confidential online screenings 24/7 to assess your symptoms.
- Talk Therapy: Bryan Counseling Center | 402-481-5991
- Medication Treatment: Bryan Psychiatry | 402-483-8555
- Bryan Medical Center West has a Mental Health Emergency Room available 24/7, located at 2300 S. 16th St., Lincoln, NE 68502.
Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health conditions. They are also the most treatable. There is hope, help and healing is available. Take the next step for yourself or a loved one.
Dave Miers, PhD, LIPC
Senior Director, Behavioral Health, Bryan Medical Center
