Getting Help for a PMAD
Published on
Published on
Only a trained healthcare or mental health professional can tell you whether you have a perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorder. If you or your loved one continue to have difficulty during this time, it may be helpful for you to contact a mental health professional for additional support. If you, or your baby, are currently a patient at CHOP, speak with your (or your baby’s) medical team about connecting you with a member of the psychosocial support team (e.g., social workers, psychologists and psychiatrists).
If you are now at home with your baby and are looking for support from a therapist, there are different ways to seek treatment. If you have insurance, you can call the phone number on the back of your insurance card and talk with an agent about what in-network mental/behavioral health services are available to you. Be ready to discuss some of what you have been through so they can best match you with the appropriate services.
You can also ask your obstetric (OB) provider or hospital social worker for resources in your area. If talking one-on-one doesn’t feel like a good fit for you, you can look for an online group or a local support group in your area.
Postpartum Support International is an organization dedicated to helping men, women and couples coping with pregnancy and postpartum related issues. They offer online support groups for men and women, and have a state coordinators who can provide you with recommendations for helpful resources in your area.
Another online resource that can help you find a therapist is psychologytoday.com. You can search their website by ZIP code to find a list of providers in your area, search for in-network providers, find therapists who treat adults or couples, and narrow down results based on specialization of specific areas of concern (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance abuse, etc.).
Things to consider when looking for a therapist:
It is recommended that you set up appointments with two to three different therapists to determine which one is the best “fit” for you and your family.
It is important that you establish a comfortable rapport with your therapist. Treatment may involve talking about your experience and learning ways to cope. Medication may be offered as well. Many medications are safe to use in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Speak with your OB provider about safe options.
In a difficult pregnancy or with a new baby with complex medical needs, there can be many moments when you may feel overwhelmed by your feelings. There is not a timeline for when you will feel better emotionally, so it is important to be patient and loving toward yourself and your loved ones. Taking care of both your physical and emotional health is necessary to support you through this challenging time.
Recommendations for self-care:
Helpful information and resources available to support you and your family: