If you are concerned about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (anytime during pregnancy or through the first year postpartum), including postpartum depression or anxiety, know that there are support and treatment options.
Contact your healthcare provider about your concerns - it may help to review these tips for talking to your healthcare provider.
If you feel more comfortable, use these resources to find help: Postpartum Stress Center: Clinician Referral List. Note that in many states virtual appointments are available due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Postpartum Support International (PSI): use the Online Provider Directory or find a local Postpartum Support Coordinator or group. Call the HelpLine at 1-800-944-4773(4PPD). This is not an emergency hotline, but someone will return your call as soon as possible to give you information, encouragement, and names of resources near you.
Review the Postpartum Stress Center's common questions including: Do I have PPD? Does Self-Help Work? What can I do to feel better now?
Review PSI's infographic or visit postpartumdepression.org to learn more about postpartum depression, including common symptoms, signs to watch for, and treatment options.
Register for an Online Support Meeting led by Postpartum Support International.
At the end of your rope?
Put your baby down (somewhere safe).
If you are at your wit's end, and you know all of your baby's needs have been met (food/diaper/burped/etc.), put baby down somewhere you know they will be safe and walk away for a few minutes. If your baby is safe, it is okay if they cry... it is okay if they wail. Let yourself cry / take a breathe / say a prayer / call a friend / do whatever it takes to help you calm down.
If you are in a crisis:
NATIONAL CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline and Website:
1-800-273-8255
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Call for yourself or someone you care about; free and confidential; network of more than 140 crisis centers nationwide; available 24/7
Call the Postpartum Support International (PSI) HelpLine at 1-800-944-4773(4PPD). Note that this is not an emergency hotline, but someone from the HelpLine will return your call as soon as possible to give you information, encouragement, and names of resources near you.
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