What Are PMADS?

We get a lot of questions from parents and new mothers about, “how do I know if I have postpartum depression” or, “I hear motherhood is hard, but like should it be THIS hard?” Our answer to these difficult questions is always simple. It’s an answer that we are solidly grounded in; one that guides our values.

Here it is:

If you don’t feel well, we believe you. If you don’t feel well, let’s get you feeling well. If you don’t feel well, you’re right. You’re not feeling well. And that’s all we need to know as parents, mothers and carers, to get the support & help we need.

So, let’s breakdown PMADS

( Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders)

Perinatal:

This is the time period that surrounds birth, including the time before baby is born and the time period after.

This span, or perinatal period, is inclusive of birthing individuals, non-birthing individuals, caregivers, adoptive parents etc.

Mood:

It‘s simply a component of our mental health.

some of us may struggle more with our mood, and experience shifts in our emotional states more frequently or more intensely based on a wide range of factors. Think of those biological psychological, social + environmental factors

(genes, family history, racism, trauma, food security etc. )

Anxiety:

The experience of our nervous system being in a state of hypervigilance.

Our “scanning” increases, and our senses are fully aroused + at work. Anxiety just wants to ensure safety. This can leave us feeling exhausted, on top of all the racing & or distressing thoughts.

Disorders:

Truth be told, we don’t love this term. It suggests a whole lot, and can make us feel like someting is “wrong with us”.

Diagnosis can be validating, and give us so much insight and knowledge into describing our experiences, which can lead to getting the help we need. That, we like!

Finally, you don’t need a diagnosis or doctors referral to get help. If you’re not feeling well, that’s all that’s needed to know to get support

Remember,

If you don’t feel well, we believe you.

If you don’t feel well, let’s get you feeling well.

If you don’t feel well, you’re right. You’re not feeling well.

And that’s all we need to know as parents, mothers and carers, to get the support & help we need.

Do you know someone who is curious about PMADS? Feel free to share this with them

Have questions?

Email us at hello@moonandgem.com