R E S O U R C E S

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YOU ARE NOT ALONE. YOU ARE NOT TO BLAME. 

YOU WILL GET BETTER. THERE IS HELP!

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All the symptoms, from the mildest to the most severe are temporary and treatable. Treatment varies, depending on the severity of the symptoms.

 

SYMPTOMS

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can manifest itself in many ways and can occur anytime from conception through two years after delivery.  Some women experience persistent feelings of intense sadness.  Others experience fluctuating mood swings.  Still others experience a tremendous anxiety.  The following is a list of symptoms for various types of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. A woman may experience some but not necessarily all of these symptoms.

  • Deep Sadness

  • Crying Spells

  • Hopelessness

  • Excessive Worrying

  • Intense Irritability or Anger

  • Loss of Appetite

  • Inability to Sleep, Even When the Baby is sleeping

  • Overwhelming Fatigue

  • Loss of Interest in Sex

  • Lack of Joy in Life

  • Feelings of Shame, Guilt or Inadequacy

  • Severe Mood Swings

  • Withdrawal from Family and Friends

  • Confusion or Disorientation

  • Hallucinations and Delusions

  • Paranoia

  • Difficulty Bonding with the Baby

  • Thoughts of Harming Yourself or the Baby

  • Attempts to Harm Yourself or the Baby

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TAKE the SELF-QUIZ

The Edinburgh Post Natal Depression Scale (EPDS)
(J.L. Cox, J.M. Holden, R. Sagovsky, Department of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh)

This 10-question self-rating scale has been proven to be an efficient and effective way of identifying patients at risk for “perinatal” depression. 

Please note: The EPDS is only a screening tool. It does not diagnose depression. Diagnosis can only be done by a licensed healthcare professional.

 

If you feel that you might be suffering from perinatal or paternal depression, it could be helpful to complete this interactive quiz and share the results with your health care provider.

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ONLINE:​

https://psychology-tools.com/epds/

 

PRINT (PDF)

http://postpartumwellness.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/edinburghscale.pdf

Print a copy of this completed quiz and bring to your next doctor's visit

 

For crisis intervention and services -  click on The Parent Links Healthy Coping brochures link under Resources

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You can also call the PEP Warm Line for phone support at 

805-564-3888 (English) or 805-8552-1592 (en Espanol) 

for confidential one-on-one support from trained volunteers, parents just like you. From basic infant care to breast or bottle feeding issues to postpartum adjustment, the Warmline can be a great source of information and support.


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RESOURCE LINKS 

 

MENTAL HEALTH and GENERAL RESOURCES

 

POSTPARTUM

 

ALCOHOL & DRUG

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IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN INFORMATION ON TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES SEND EMAIL TO THE PWC THROUGH OUR CONTACT PAGE

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