While post-partum depression is widely discussed, perinatal anxiety is something that, despite more and more women experiencing it, is not talked about enough.

 

Our physical changes and Baby’s development are the main topic of conversation when you are pregnant, but your mental health is something that should also be looked at.

 

In most cases, unless you have been suffering from mental health problems prior to getting pregnant, a doctor or midwife won’t be overly concerned about what is going on in your head, so it is up to you to tell them that you need help.

 

Knowing what to look out for will help you know when to seek help:

 

1. Symptoms:

As with all mental health conditions, perinatal anxiety can have a number of symptoms, depending on the individual. The following are the most common symptoms:

  • Panic attacks
  • Worries that you can’t get out of your head
  • Difficulty relaxing
  • Always feeling on edge
  • Heart palpitations
  • Constantly feeling sad
  • Lack of energy or suffering from fatigue
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Having thoughts of suicide
  • Sleeping too much or not at all
  • Being easily annoyed

 

2. When should you seek help?

Pregnancy can be a worrying time and it can be difficult to know if your anxiety is down to this or if it is something more. You should always talk to your doctor or midwife if you are feeling out of sorts, no matter how insignificant you may think your symptoms are. However, as soon as your anxiety starts to interfere with your everyday functioning, or effects how you relate to loved ones it is time to seek help.

 

3. How long will it last for?

For most women, perinatal anxiety can stop as soon as Baby arrives, but this is not the case for every mum, who can go on to experience post-natal depression.

 

Remember, it is okay to say that you aren’t okay. The more we talk about the topic, the more awareness we create.

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