Reducing The Stigma of Maternal Mental Illnesses

Carey with her son. Photo by Pete Riesett

Today is World Maternal Mental Health Day and it is National Maternal Depression Awareness Month in the United States. World Maternal Health Day is a day once a year that raises global awareness of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and reduces the stigma of maternal mental illnesses. One in five new mothers may experience some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety or postpartum psychosis. Unfortunately, many of these illnesses go untreated due to a lack of diagnosis, sometimes causing tragic repercussions for both mother and child. Luckily, postpartum depression/anxiety has become a more mainstream topic, but still many new mothers are not aware they experienced it, until it has passed. Postpartum depression is an all-encompassing illness and so is being a new mother.

Carey Kirkella, from New York City, had a history of bipolar disorder and was concerned that her symptoms could escalate after labor to postpartum psychosis. Women with a history of bipolar disorder have a 40% chance of developing postpartum psychosis after their first child is born. Carey was surprised to learn that even with her mental health history, her insurance would not cover her initial maternal mental health costs. She paid $500 out of pocket for a short visit for guidance.

Carey says, “As someone who knew I was predisposed to having postpartum mental health difficulties, it was very difficult for me to receive the preventative care that I was searching for during my pregnancy. Despite numerous calls with different representatives, my health insurance company could not help me find a psychiatrist that specializes in maternal mental health. I did find one that took my insurance eventually, but it took a lot of effort meeting with different doctors too, and was confusing.”

Finally, at the 11th hour, her resident psychiatrist realized that she could go to a specialist at a closer hospital, instead of having to schlepp uptown from Brooklyn to Mount Sinai Hospital, which was over an hour commute each way, during one of the worst winters in New York City, during her third trimester. This ordeal exhausted Carey. She couldn’t believe the way she was being treated, knowing that she had a mental illness.

Carey tried her best to be proactive, but didn’t feel that there was much support for her.

“It was a very stressful time for me,” said Carey, “that included trying to decide if I should start taking anti-psychotic medication during my last trimester. During my pregnancy I was trying to do all the research I could, which included looking for other moms with bipolar disorder who may have successfully avoided having postpartum mental health challenges (at least the biggest one that I was most worried about, psychosis). I couldn't find anyone to talk to about it, which is partially why I want to share my story and hopefully help someone else in the process.”

Unfortunately, Carey did develop postpartum psychosis after the birth of her newborn, even after trying to be extremely diligent to get mental health support prior to the birth. The staff at her hospital did not know the warning signs or make special provisions to avoid its escalation.

Postpartum psychosis is not discussed widely; many are not aware of it. It occurs less frequently than postpartum depression and anxiety. In every 1,000 births, it happens once or twice. Postpartum psychosis begins within the first two weeks after childbirth and can last several months. Symptoms are more extreme than postpartum depression/anxiety.

- Symptoms include:

- Psychotic symptoms including

- Delusions and/or hallucinations

- Extreme agitation

- Mania

- Hyperactivity

- Insomnia

- Depression

- Mood lability: irregular moods or out of proportion to the situation at hand. Severe mood swings,

intense reactions, and dramatic changes in opinions and feelings.

- Confusion/poor judgment

- Irrationality

- Difficulty remembering/concentrating

- Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming one’s baby.

- Risk factors include: 1) previous postpartum psychosis, 2) manic-depressive (bipolar) history, 3) prenatal stressors (lack of supportive partner, social support, low socioeconomic status), 4) obsessive personality traits, and 5) family history of mood disorder.

Thankfully, Carey is doing well today and no longer has postpartum psychosis. To learn more about Carey’s story, continue to read posts on this blog. Her full birth story may be included in my new two book series about childbirth around the world. Join the list to be informed of further updates to this blog and when the book will be released. Click here.

Carey is not an expert in holistic childbirth or postpartum mental health, but she is very empathic, did go on this rocky journey, and wished she had others to ask questions to, so if you have specific questions about postpartum psychosis or being pregnant while bipolar or how to find support for maternal mental illnesses in New York City, you are welcome to reach out to her. Click here to email her.

Do not feel ashamed if you currently have or have experienced a maternal mental illness. If you need support getting through postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, or postpartum psychosis, please reach out to me for a virtual holistic healing session. You do not have to go through this alone. I have been a holistic healer for over fifteen years and my specialty is helping empathic women to overcome chronic conditions naturally, easily, and joyfully by discovering the root cause and treating it through natural remedies and potent actions.

If you would like emotional and physical support, you can set up a session with me; click here to send me a private message. Or if you would like to set up a brief call to see if my services are right for you, click here to set up a complimentary 20 minute call.