Empowering a healthier journey for mothers through
pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond...
Welcome to the Holistik Cares community where we prioritize the mental well-being of mothers during the transformative journey of childbirth. Our mission is to provide support, resources, and advocacy to ensure every mother's mental health needs are met. Our mental health professionals are dedicated to shedding light on the importance of maternal mental health and supporting moms throughout their perinatal journey.
WHAT WE UNDERSTAND
Postpartum depression is a treatable medical condition that impacts approximately 15-20% of women after childbirth. While it can arise at any time from a few weeks to a year post-delivery, it is most frequently encountered within the initial three months after giving birth.
Emotional Journey
Experiencing a range of emotions upon welcoming a newborn is a natural occurrence. However, identifying postpartum depression can prove challenging as its symptoms often mirror those of the common "baby blues," affecting up to 70% of new mothers. Alarmingly, only 15% of women experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, seek professional assistance.
Navigating Through Feelings
Hormonal shifts, sleep disruptions, and adapting to life with a newborn can be overwhelming. Lingering feelings of sadness, guilt, hopelessness, or mood swings may be an indication of postpartum depression. Some mothers may also find themselves lacking pleasure or disinterested in activities they used to enjoy.
Concerns for the Whole Family
For some women, anxiety may accompany postpartum depression and present as nervousness, fear, restlessness, or stress. Intense concern for the well-being of the baby can also be indicative. If the responsibilities of caring for a newborn are consistently overwhelming or impede daily tasks, consider these as potential symptoms.
Riding the Emotional Waves
Anticipate fluctuations in mood during the initial two weeks after childbirth. Laughing one moment and crying the next is not uncommon. However, if these emotional highs and lows persist beyond this period or intensify, this may signal postpartum depression.
Distinguishing Between PPD and Baby Blues
Postpartum depression differs from the typical baby blues, which generally resolve within a week. Its prolonged duration and heightened symptom severity set it apart. Seek support if symptoms endure or worsen over time. In certain cases, postpartum depression may emerge one to two months postpartum, characterized by profound depression or intrusive thoughts.
Understanding Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis, although rare, is a severe mental illness that requires immediate attention. It is more prevalent in women with a history of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Symptoms include irritability, mood swings, confusion, erratic behavior, and delusions. Prompt intervention is essential as women with postpartum psychosis are at risk of harming themselves or their infants.
Remember, You're Not Alone
It's vital to understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, and there's no blame to be assigned. Support and treatment are available through this challenging time.
Support us in breaking the stigma around perinatal mental health
Help provide critical support services for mothers during a vulnerable time
One in three mothers report feeling traumatized by their childbirth experience and approximately 17% will experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress
1 in 5 women will experience a perinatal mental health condition during pregnancy or the year after birth and 20% will experience suicidal thoughts or take acts of self-harm
75% of moms impacted by MMH conditions REMAIN UNTREATED, increasing the risk of long-term negative impacts on themselves, their babies and families
Minorities are twice as likely to experience MMH conditions but half as likely to receive treatment
Breaking the Silence: Shifting Perspectives on Maternal Mental Health
Some women are particularly sensitive to the dramatic hormonal shifts of pregnancy. This coupled with sleep deprivation, frustrations with inadequate support and prior pregnancy-related traumas all play a role in the maternal mental health dynamic
40% Develop symptoms following childbirth
33% Develop symptoms during pregnancy
27% Enter pregnancy with anxiety or depression
Timing and Onset of Anxiety and Depression
Of women who experience anxiety or depression in the postpartum period.
If untreated, symptoms of MMH conditions can last up to 3 years
Empowering Maternal Mental Wellness: Addressing the challenges of pregnancy and beyond
At Holistik we meet moms where they are helping them deal with mental health issues related to childbirth like depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar illness, psychosis, and substance use disorders
Invest in healthier moms, families and communities.
YOU CAN COLLABORATE IN TWO WAYS
DONATING to the organization or VOLUNTEERING
