You Are Not Alone
According to the American Psychological Association, up to 1 in 7 women are diagnosed with postpartum depression and up to 4 in 5 experience feelings of sadness after birth. These mood changes can be a worsening of preexisting conditions or due to the many changes pregnancy and birth cause in a woman’s body. Regardless of the cause many women feel alone in navigating their way to diagnosis and treatment.
Mental and Behavioral Health Information and Resources
Postpartum Support International (PSI– Arizona Chapter PSI Support Coordinators are volunteers who offer caring and informed support and resources to moms and their families including area resources such as groups, telephone support, and reliable services that are available for no charge. Their website lists local events, training, and volunteer opportunities. They also provide information and resources for area providers who are caring for pregnant and postpartum families dealing with postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and other mood disorders associated with pregnancy and postpartum.
The Arizona Warmline The 24 hour warm line is provided for moms, family members and friends that need help understanding more about what you or your loved one is going through. These are all volunteers that have been there, completely understand postpartum mood disorders and what you might be going through. We can help you find hope and resources to get the help you need in your area. You can call the AZ Warm Line 24 hours a day at 888-434-MOMS (6667) or email azwarmline@gmail.com, and a volunteer will call you back between 8am and 8pm every day of the year. Se habla Espanol!
Terra’s Place Terra’s Place for Maternal Mental Health and Family Wellness is a therapy group (located in Tempe, Arizona) that specializes in diagnosing and treating Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). We use evidenced-based and trauma-sensitive therapies including Hypnosis, Interpersonal Counseling, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Relief. All of Terra’s Place licensed therapists have completed Postpartum Support International’s certificate training in diagnosing and treating Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), and our work focuses on moms and families. Contact by phone 855-4-TERRAS (855-483-7727) or email info@terrasplaceaz.com
Marc Community Resources Marc Community Resources, Inc. is a free service that provides mental and behavioral health information and resources to help navigate through the Arizona mental health system. Their referral coordinator can help you locate the professionals and organizations best able to assist you.
NAMI Arizona Statewide Family Support Groups (outside Maricopa County) are free monthly meeting of caregivers of individuals with a mental illness where family members can talk frankly about their challenges and help one another through their learned wisdom. These meetings are facilitated by trained NAMI members in affiliates across Arizona. Call 480-994-4407 for Information & Resources.
Postpartum progress checklist
Sometimes you don’t know where to begin. Jumpstart the conversation. You can download this form, print, and take this with you to your doctor!
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Your “baby blues” don’t get better. You may cry every day the first week after getting home with your baby but by week two you should feel better. If you’re still sad, anxious or even hopeless weeks later, and the feelings are getting worse, let someone know.
Constant thoughts of sadness or guilt All these are normal once in a while is normal but if you spend most of your time crying, anxious or feeling guilty these may be among the first signs of postpartum depression.
Loss of interest in things you enjoy. If nothing seems fun interesting anymore—favorite movies, foods, friends, your partner—talk to your doctor about these changes in mood and habits.
Trouble making decisions. Being too tired to think straight can be common in the first few days but if you are having a hard time deciding, or caring about basic activities like whether or not to get out of bed, take a shower, or change your baby’s diaper, these may be early signs that something concerning is going on.
You are terrified you won’t be a good mom. Every new mom worries about whether she will do a good job. But if you are having constant doubts about yourself as a mother could mean something else.
You just can’t rest. Of course sleep patterns change with a new baby. But if you can’t relax even when your child is napping, or you know the baby is safe and taken care of, that’s likely something other than the sleep disturbance a new baby brings. On the other hand you may find yourself wanting to be asleep most of the time. This is worrisome too.
You have thoughts about harming yourself, the baby or others. Thoughts like these are definite signs of postpartum mood disorders that need treatment. If you’re having any kind of suicidal thoughts, this is an emergency. Call your doctor or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 immediately to get help.
If you or a loved one is facing a Behavioral Health Crisis, call the Crisis Line for your area. A crisis is any situation in which a person’s behaviors puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others and/or when they are not able to calm the situation without trained assistance. The Crisis Line can connect you to in-home supports within 2 hours in most areas of Arizona:
Maricopa County and Pinal Zip Codes 85120, 85140, 85143, 85220, 85240, 85243: 800-631-1314
Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai Counties: 877-756-4090
Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yuma Counties: 866-495-6735
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