Palm Beach Therapy Center – Boca Raton, FL
When people imagine new parenthood, they often picture joy, bonding, and those unforgettable newborn snuggles. But for many, that experience is accompanied by something much harder to talk about—feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelming emotion that doesn’t go away. These aren’t signs of weakness or failure. They’re symptoms of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)—a group of mental health conditions that can affect birthing parents during pregnancy and in the first year postpartum. At Palm Beach Therapy Center, we have several therapists dedicated to perinatal issues.
What Are PMADs?
PMADs include a range of conditions such as postpartum depression (PPD), postpartum anxiety (PPA), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and, in rare cases, postpartum psychosis. These disorders don’t discriminate—they affect people regardless of age, race, income, or birth experience.
According to research published in the Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 15% to 21% of people experience PMADs during or after pregnancy, making them the most common complications of childbirth—more common than gestational diabetes or preeclampsia (npjournal.org). In the U.S. alone, up to 900,000 parents are impacted annually (jognn.org).
It’s Not Just “Baby Blues”
It’s normal to feel emotional or overwhelmed in the days after birth. About 70-80% of new mothers experience the “baby blues”—a short-lived period of mood swings, weepiness, and fatigue. But when those feelings persist longer than two weeks or worsen over time, it may be something more serious.
Perinatal anxiety is also frequently overlooked. Studies show it affects about 20.7% of birthing parents, sometimes even more than depression, particularly during pregnancy (wmjonline.org). These anxious thoughts can manifest as racing worries, sleep disturbances, or obsessive checking on the baby—often dismissed or normalized, but deeply distressing to the parent.
What Increases the Risk?
PMADs can affect anyone, but certain factors make someone more vulnerable:
- A personal or family history of depression or anxiety
- Hormonal shifts during and after pregnancy
- Traumatic birth experiences
- Lack of social or partner support
- Financial or housing insecurity
- Difficulties breastfeeding or recovering physically
Feeling isolated or judged as a new parent can also deepen the struggle. Many parents report feeling ashamed to admit they’re not enjoying parenthood the way they expected.
It Affects the Whole Family
The impact of PMADs isn’t limited to the parent alone. Babies of parents with untreated PMADs may have challenges with bonding and emotional development. Studies have linked maternal depression to developmental delays and behavioral issues later in childhood (dbhdd.georgia.gov).
Partners aren’t immune either—10% of new fathers experience depression or anxiety postpartum, and the number rises when their partner is struggling (postpartum.net). Untreated PMADs also correlate with increased family conflict and reduced relationship satisfaction.
Why Early Screening Matters
Despite how common PMADs are, many parents don’t get screened or treated. The good news? When diagnosed early, PMADs are highly treatable. Tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) or PHQ-9 are simple questionnaires that can help identify symptoms early on. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends screening at least once during pregnancy and again postpartum (ajog.org).
Effective treatments include therapy—especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT)—as well as medications when necessary. Many parents benefit from support groups and peer connection, and teletherapy has made it easier than ever to access help from home.
Breaking the Stigma
One of the biggest barriers to care is the stigma surrounding PMADs. New parents often feel pressure to be grateful, happy, and put-together. But struggling doesn’t make someone a bad parent—it makes them human. Seeking help is an act of strength, not failure.
The truth is, healing helps everyone: the parent, the child, and the entire family unit. PMADs are medical conditions, not character flaws. And with the right support, recovery is not just possible—it’s probable.
You’re Not Alone
If you or someone you love is struggling, know that you’re not alone—and you don’t have to suffer in silence. Organizations like Postpartum Support International offer a free helpline, text support, and local resources. There is help, and there is hope.
Resources:
- Postpartum Support International (PSI) – Support, education, and helpline
- National Perinatal Association – Information on PMADs and perinatal mental health
- 2020 Mom – Advocacy and policy efforts for maternal mental health
Your mental health matters just as much as your baby’s. It’s okay to ask for help—and there is no shame in healing. If you are ready to start your journey please don’t hesitate to contact our office at (561) 485-4633 to schedule your virtual or in-person appointment with one of our PMADs trained therapists.
