Although pregnancy can be an exciting and joyous time for mothers-to-be, it may cause unexpected physical and emotional shifts such as changing body image, fluctuating hormones, anxiety, and depression. Pregnancy may also affect pre-existing mental health conditions. To raise awareness of these concerns, May 7th is World Maternal Mental Health Day.
For expectant Marines and spouses, protecting your mental health during pregnancy may help you to emotionally prepare for the experiences of labor, delivery, and motherhood. If you have experienced trauma, grief, stressful life events, or depression prior to pregnancy, you may be at a higher risk for prenatal depression. Setting boundaries for yourself to get enough rest, seeking support and communicating your needs to friends and family, and prioritizing self-care are some ways to manage prenatal stress.
Having insight and awareness of your mental health needs following the delivery of your baby is an important step in decreasing impacts of postpartum mood disorders and depression and increasing your ability to seek help, if needed. Being aware of risk factors may empower you to get the support you need. Some signs you may need support are:
- Feelings of sadness or worry that last more than a few weeks.
- Loss of, or increase in, appetite or weight.
- Not being able to fall asleep when tired.
- Feeling restless or irritable.
- Excessive worry about your baby.
- Loss in interest of being a mother.
- Thoughts of harming your baby.
- Thoughts of suicide.
While Maternal Mental Health Day creates an opportunity for new and expectant mothers to reflect on their mental health, it is important to be aware of signs of mental health issues throughout the year. The physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and parenthood may pose different challenges through the stages of your child’s development. Remaining aware of warning signs, identifying and utilizing a support system of other parents while utilizing available programs and resources, are all preventative measures to protect your mental health and wellness.
MCCS provides many resources, such as the New Parent Support Program and the Community Counseling Program, to assist Marines and their families with holistic wellness.