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If you are looking for resources in your area or just need to talk to another mom or birthing person who understands, our peer-to-peer support line is available Monday-Friday during regular business hours.
Advocacy Opportunities
Hosted and managed by POEM, the Ohio Perinatal Mental Health Task Force is committed to advancing policies and initiatives that continuously improve perinatal mental health access-to-care and treatment.
Additional Information
POEM RISE
POEM Rise provides peer support and care navigation by and for Black moms and birthing persons.
Perinatal Mental Health Peer Support & Care Navigation
Central Ohio
Call - (614) 315-8989
Email - poem@mhaohio.org
Dayton
Call - (937) 660-9220
Email - poemdayton@mhaohio.org
Support Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Aren’t all pregnant and postpartum parents tired and moody?
When can perinatal mental health complications (PMHCs) like PPD (pregnancy and postpartum depression) develop?
Perinatal mental health complications can occur any time during pregnancy through about the first year following childbirth. They can also occur after a pregnancy or infant loss. Symptoms can persist past one year postpartum, especially if they are not treated.
Will PMHCs go away on their own?
Not usually. These are real illnesses. And, like many illnesses, PMHCs almost never go away without treatment. The good news is that there are many treatments available that work. Once you reach out for help you are on your way to feeling like yourself again.
How long do PMHCs last?
It’s different for everyone, but the sooner you begin treatment/care the sooner you will start to feel better. Some feel better within a few weeks, but others feel “not themselves” for many months. The important thing to remember is that maternal mental health complications are treatable. Help is available and with treatment and support, you can feel better.
What if I feel this way because I just wasn’t meant to be a parent?
Perinatal Mental health complications are medical illnesses and have nothing to do with how fit or prepared you are for becoming a parent. Self-blame is a frequent symptom of PMHCs that can rob you of your confidence in your ability to parent. There is nothing that a person with an PMHC could have done to avoid the disorder.
Are people with PMHCs a danger to their children?
RARELY. A common symptom of a perinatal mental health complication is that a person may have frightening thoughts about harm coming to their infant or children. People with this symptom are usually very ashamed and feel horrible about the thoughts. Learn more about scary thoughts here.
Postpartum Psychosis is a rare illness compared to the rates of postpartum depression or anxiety. It occurs in approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries, or approximately .1% of births. The onset is usually sudden, most often within the first 2 weeks postpartum. Learn more about postpartum psychosis here.
If you have thoughts about harming yourself or others, connect with trained crisis support or go to your closest emergency room for help right away.
Crisis supports:
988 – 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress
1-833-9HELPFORMOMS Maternal Mental Health Hotline
National Crisis Text Line at 741-741
Doesn’t pregnancy prevent depression or a related disorder?
No. Being pregnant is not a guarantee against developing depression or other mental health complications. In fact, studies show that birthing parents are most likely to experience depression during their childbearing years than at any other point in their lifetime.
What kinds of supports and treatments help with perinatal mental health complications? Some options include:
- Specialized counseling or psychotherapy
- Support groups and peer support
- Medications
- Assistance with childcare and other basic needs
- Practicing self-care
How do medications used for PMHCs affect my pregnancy or breastfeeding?
It’s important to talk to a trusted and qualified care provider about any medication you take when pregnant or breastfeeding. Studies show the antidepressants most likely to be prescribed for a maternal mental health complication often pose a very small risk to breastfed babies. POEM can help link you to resources available to help you with this decision.
I think I might have PPD or a PMHC. What should I do?
Contact POEM for additional support and guidance, as well as consult a trusted and qualified health care professional for a full assessment.
Learn More
What are PMHCs (Perinatal Mental Health Complications)?
Perinatal mental health complications are the #1 complication of childbirth, affecting nearly 1 million people in the U.S. each year. Symptoms include a wide range of emotional and physiological reactions that can occur during pregnancy and/or about a year postpartum. Every person experiences PMHCs differently, but understanding the facts and myths about PMHCs can help you feel less isolated.
PMHCs are often more than depression. In fact, many people feel anxious, have scary thoughts, or other feelings they didn’t expect. PMHC is an “umbrella” term that covers a wide range of perinatal mental health complications.
Symptoms of PMHCs
If you’ve found yourself having thoughts similar to the ones listed below, contact POEM about support options:
- I can’t think straight.
- I get angry so quickly.
- I can’t stop crying.
- I’m totally numb.
- I can’t fall asleep.
- I get so irritated with everyone, but especially myself.
- I worry constantly.
- My baby hates me.
- This is so scary.
- I’m so ashamed.
- I want to run away.
- I just can’t slow down.
- Is this who I am?
- This guilt is overwhelming.
- I’m having very scary thoughts.
- I’m going to feel like this forever.
- I’m in a fog all the time.
- Everyone else is a better mom than me.
- No one understands.
PMHCs encompass a number of feelings and symptoms that may occur during the perinatal period—from pregnancy through the first year following childbirth. Having PMHCs does not mean you must feel depressed or “down,” it is different for everyone. Below are some of the symptoms of which to be aware:
Baby Blues
Normal occurrence—not a disorder impacting around 80% of new moms and birthing persons. Begins within the 1st week after childbirth and may last a week or two, but will subside on its own.
Symptoms
- Weepiness
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Mood instability
- Lack of concentration
Perinatal Depression or Anxiety
Onset is anytime from pregnancy thru the 1st year after childbirth and impacts around 15-20% of new moms.
Symptoms
- Excessive worry
- Difficulty making decisions, feeling overwhelmed, can’t “Think Straight”
- Sleep difficulties—cannot/too much
- Feelings of sadness, guilt, hopelessness, phobias
- Physical symptoms/complaints without apparent cause
- Discomfort or detachment around the baby
- Changes in appetite
- Loss of interest or pleasure
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Symptoms
- Intrusive, repetitive, persistent thoughts
- Thoughts of harm coming to the baby
- Tremendous sense of horror and disgust of these thoughts often accompanied by avoidance behaviors in order to cope (i.e., hiding knives)
- Repetitive behaviors (counting, cleaning)
Panic Disorder
Symptoms
- Periods of extreme anxiety
- Difficulty breathing, chest pain, feelings of choking or smothering
- Hot/cold flashes, shaking, numbness, palpitations
- Fears of dying, going crazy
- Restlessness, irritability
- Excessive worry, including fear of more panic attacks
Psychosis
Requires immediate medical care!
Rare: 1-2 per 1000 | Typical onset 2-3 days postpartum | 5% suicide rate, 4% infantcide rate
Symptoms
- Hallucinations
- Delusional thinking
- Delirium, mania
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms
- Recurrent nightmares
- Extreme anxiety
- Reliving past traumatic events (e.g., childbirth; prior emotional, sexual, or physical abuse/trauma)
Who is at risk for developing a PMHC?
Any person who is pregnant or has had a baby. However, there are certain factors that may increase your chances of developing a PMHC:
- History of PMHCs or other mental illness (this can mean you or one of your family members)
- Being a first-time parent
- Ambivalence about the pregnancy
- Lack of social support
- Lack of a stable relationship with your partner and/or parents
- Dissatisfaction with yourself
- Infertility
- Unrealistic expectations of parenthood
- Recent stresses
- Prior adverse reaction to contraceptives or severe
- PMS
- Being either a young or an older parent
Keep in mind that an increased risk doesn’t mean you’ll definitely experience a PMHC. Likewise, having no recognizable risk factors does not mean you won’t. The causes and symptoms of PMHCs are different for every person.