Mental Health

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

If you’re feeling off, overwhelmed, or not like yourself after having a baby, you’re not alone—and it might be a PMAD.

PMAD stands for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. It’s the umbrella term for the most common mental health conditions that affect women during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. These conditions go far beyond the “baby blues” and can include depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and—in rare cases—psychosis.

 And the good news? PMADs are real, diagnosable, and treatable with the right support.

Postpartum Depression

What is it?

Postpartum Depression is a clinical depression that occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth. It affects mood, energy, motivation, and your ability to function.

What it feels like:

  • Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness

  • Crying spells, irritability

  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy

  • Difficulty bonding with your baby

  • Thoughts like “I’m not cut out for this” or “They’d be better off without me”

    Postpartum Depression affects up to 15% of women after birth—and it can also begin during pregnancy.