Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month: Understanding PMADs

Maternal Mental Health Matters

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month—a time dedicated to increasing understanding, reducing stigma, and reminding parents that they don’t have to navigate this season alone.

The transition into parenthood is often described as joyful and fulfilling—and it can be. But it can also be overwhelming, disorienting, and emotionally intense in ways many people don’t expect.

If you’ve found yourself thinking, “Why does this feel harder than I thought it would?”—you’re not alone. And more importantly, there’s nothing “wrong” with you.

What Are PMADs?

PMADs stands for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, an umbrella term used to describe a range of mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

These are actually the most common complications of childbirth—yet many people don’t realize what they are or how they show up.

PMADs can affect anyone—regardless of background, personality, or how smoothly (or not) things have gone

Types of PMADs:

• Perinatal Depression
  Persistent sadness, low energy, loss of interest, feelings of guilt or worthlessness

• Perinatal Anxiety
  Excessive worry, racing thoughts, difficulty relaxing, feeling constantly “on edge”

• Postpartum OCD
  Intrusive, unwanted thoughts (often about harm coming to the baby), paired with compulsive behaviors or mental rituals

• Postpartum PTSD
  Often related to a traumatic birth or medical experience; may include flashbacks, avoidance, or heightened reactivity

• Postpartum Psychosis (rare, but serious)
  Hallucinations, delusions, confusion, or rapid mood shifts—this requires immediate medical attention

• Perinatal Bipolar Disorder
  Episodes of depression and/or mania that may emerge or worsen during the perinatal period

Common Signs and Symptoms:

• Feeling constantly overwhelmed or like you’re “failing”

• Irritability or anger that feels hard to control

• Difficulty sleeping (even when the baby is sleeping)

• Loss of appetite or overeating

• Persistent worry about your baby’s safety

• Intrusive thoughts that feel scary or out of character

• Feeling disconnected from yourself, your baby, or others

• Avoiding things that feel too overwhelming

• Thoughts of wanting to escape or disappear

Some people describe it as “I don’t feel like myself anymore.”

What’s the difference between PMADs and Baby Blues?

Many people experience the “baby blues” in the first 1–2 weeks after birth—this can include mood swings, tearfulness, and feeling overwhelmed.

PMADs are different.

They tend to:

• Last longer than two weeks

• Feel more intense or persistent

• Interfere with daily functioning

• Include anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or emotional numbness

If something feels off, it’s worth paying attention to—your experience matters.

When to Reach Out for Support

You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable.

It might be time to reach out if:

• Your symptoms have lasted more than two weeks

• You feel overwhelmed most days

• You’re having intrusive or distressing thoughts

• You’re struggling to function in daily life

• You feel disconnected from yourself or your baby

• You just have a sense that something isn’t right

Early support can make a big difference—and therapy is often a space to slow things down, make sense of what’s happening, and find ways to feel more grounded again.

If You’re in North Carolina

I provide virtual therapy for expecting and postpartum parents across North Carolina, with a focus on perinatal mental health.

If you’re wondering whether therapy could help, you’re welcome to reach out for a brief consultation call to explore what support might look like.