Mental Health Support

We understand the emotional changes that can happen during and after pregnancy. No matter what feelings you're experiencing, we offer a range of mental health support options to help you get the care you need. 

When you choose BJC HealthCare, you can expect: 

• Personalized evaluation and care: Our specialists screen for symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD), including postpartum depression and anxiety. We'll work with you to better understand what you're experiencing and help you find the right approach for you and your family.
• Therapy and counseling options: We offer a variety of therapy, counseling, and support options, including individual counseling, couples counseling, and support groups. 

• Addiction support: The Clinic for Acceptance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) program provides specialized support for pregnant individuals and new parents facing substance use challenges, including opioid use disorder. 

   

Pregnancy and early parenthood can be filled with joy and excitement. They can also feel overwhelming. Sleepless nights, new responsibilities, unexpected challenges, and major life changes can take a toll on your emotional well-being. 

These feelings may be even more intense if you experienced a high-risk pregnancy, loss, or are caring for a baby with complex health conditions. 

If stress, anxiety, sadness, or overwhelming emotions begin to affect your daily life, you may be experiencing a PMAD. You are not alone. Our team is here to listen and help you find the care you need. 

What is a PMAD?

Many new parents experience the "baby blues." You may feel overwhelmed, worried, or sad as you adjust to life with your baby.

These feelings typically improve within two weeks. When they are very strong, get worse, or last longer, they may be signs of a PMAD.

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can begin while you are trying to become pregnant, during pregnancy, or after your baby is born. Some conditions, including postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, begin after childbirth. Symptoms may continue for up to one year after delivery.

A small number of new parents may experience postpartum psychosis. This rare condition is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, hearing or seeing things that are not there, or believing things that are not true. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate medical care.

No matter when these feelings begin, help is available. 

 What are the symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders? 

Mental health challenges do not look the same for everyone. You may notice one symptom, several symptoms, or feelings that come and go over time.

Depression

• Persistent sadness or crying
• Wanting to be alone
• Losing interest in your baby or activities you once enjoyed
• Thoughts of harming yourself or others

Anxiety

• Constant worry about caring for your baby
• Worrying about being a good parent
• Feeling fearful without knowing why
• Panic attacks

Feeling overwhelmed or stressed

• Wondering how you will make it through another day
• Wishing the challenges would go away
• Feeling like life is too hard

Other emotional symptoms

• Anger
• Irritability
• Shame
• Guilt

Physical symptoms

• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Heart palpitations or heaviness in your chest
• Rapid breathing or hyperventilation

Trust yourself. If something feels off, ask for help. 

Who is at higher risk?

While the exact cause of PMADs is not known, changes in hormones during and after pregnancy, combined with other physical, emotional, and life stressors, may contribute to what you are experiencing. If you are experiencing symptoms, remember that these feelings are real and they are not your fault. Effective treatment and support are available.

Any parent or parent-to-be can experience a PMAD. You may be more likely to develop one if you:

• Have a history of depression or anxiety
• Are under significant stress
• Do not have support from your family, community, or partner
• Are in a strained relationship with your partner
• Have experienced past trauma
• Had a high-risk pregnancy or delivery
• Have a medically complex or sick baby
• Have difficulty accessing the care you need
• Have experienced pregnancy or infant loss

Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop a PMAD. It can, however, help you and your care team recognize when you may need more support. 

Treatment and support

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are common and treatable. Your care should reflect what you are experiencing and what works best for you.

Treatment options may include:

• Individual or couples counseling
• Psychiatric care
• Medication
• Support groups
• Community resources

You do not have to figure out the next step alone. We can help connect you with care that fits your needs. 

When to seek mental health support

If you feel sad, stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed at any point on your journey to parenthood, reach out.

Getting support sooner can help you begin to feel better and focus on caring for yourself and your growing family. 

You may need someone to talk to right away. You may be looking for ongoing treatment, a support group, or reliable information about what you are experiencing.

Wherever you are starting, these national and local resources can help you take the next step.

You do not need to know exactly what kind of help you need before you reach out. Talk to your doctor about what you are experiencing. We can listen, answer your questions, and help you find a resource that feels right for you.