It is normal for most women (50-80% of women) to experience some mild mood and anxiety symptoms while pregnant or within the first two weeks after giving birth. Symptoms could be feelings of sadness, irritability, and decreased energy or interest in activities or hobbies.  Some women (15-20%) experience more significant symptoms associated with a medical condition called Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Symptoms of these conditions include:

• Loss of interest in the baby or other activities
• Feeling too tired or unable to cope
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Feeling confused and unable to make decisions
• Having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Significant changes in appetite and/or sleep

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There are ways to reduce the risk of developing symptoms and when symptoms develop there are safe and effective treatment options for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Tips for Promoting Maternal Mental Health:

1. Build a strong support network. Learn More
2. Prioritize sleep and establish healthy sleep habits. Learn More
3. Maintain hydration and a nutritious diet. Learn More
4. Stay socially connected and avoid isolation. Learn More
5. Engage in regular exercise. Learn More

How we can help: We provide support to pregnant and parenting individuals experiencing mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression. Support plans, coping strategies, and connections with treatment providers are offered if desired.

To connect with trained staff:

Call: (530) 822-7227 or 1-800-371-3177
Or make an online referral: Findhelp - Blue Shift referral

Additional resources to talk to someone who can help:

• Sutter-Yuba Behavioral Health: Sutter-Yuba Behavioral Health
  • 24-Hour Crisis Services: (530) 673-8255 or (888) 923-3800
  • Walk-In appointments available Mon.-Thurs 8AM-2PM
  • 1965 Live Oak Blvd. Yuba City, CA 95991
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • Hotline: (800) 273-8255 or Text: “home” to 741741
• Postpartum Support International: Postpartum Support International - PSI
  • Warm-line: (800) 944-4773 or Text: (503) 894-9453
  • Helpline, support groups, chat with an expert, peer mentors
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
  • Call or Text: 1-833-852-6262 - Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support
• Blue Shift Project of Yuba-Sutter: Blueshiftprojectys.com
  • An initiative of Yuba-Sutter Counties that includes advocacy and professional organizations with a common goal to transform Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders in the Yuba-Sutter area.

**** If you feel that you or a loved one may be suffering from a pregnancy or post-partum mood disorder, we strongly encourage you to contact your healthcare provider. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, your baby, or others, or if your pregnant or post-partum loved one is exhibiting concerning behaviors, call 911. ****

Learn More About Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Screening Recommendations:

Postpartum Support International (PSI) advocates for a widespread approach to screening for prenatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. They emphasize the importance of utilizing evidence-based assessment tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screen (EPDS) or the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to identify these conditions. Learn More