Mental and Emotional Health

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Perinatal Mood Disorders. Perinatal means the period of time between conception, pregnancy, birth through the first year postpartum. Any mom during this period of time is at risk for developing symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders, which can include postpartum anxiety and depression.

Mood disorders include symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Depression is the most commonly experienced disorder. For more information on the symptoms of these disorders go to

www.postaprtum.net

Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety, postpartum panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. For more information on the symptoms of perinatal mood disorders go to

www.postaprtum.net

Many moms may experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, but how do you know when you need to seek help for a disorder? When symptoms don't resolve within a few days or you find you don't have coping skills to navigate them, that is a good time to seek help.