Maternal Mental Health 101

While the specific symptoms and experience may be different for each mom, here are some of the basic symptoms of anxiety and depression that many women experience during pregnancy and the first year of baby's life.

Depression

• Sadness, Crying spells
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Irritability and Anger 
• Exhaustion
• Difficulty sleeping (even if the baby is sleeping)
• Eating too much or too little
• Mood swings
• Apathy

Anxiety:

• Panic attacks
• Insomnia
• Low appetite
• Fear (such as fear of losing control, illness, dangers, fainting, etc.)
• Intrusive thoughts
• Physical symptoms may include shaking, dizziness or shortness of breath