Perinatal/Postpartum Depression
Recognizing Emotional Changes Around Pregnancy and Birth
Pregnancy and the months after delivery can bring changes in mood, anxiety and sleep. Persistent low mood, loss of interest or distress that interferes with daily life deserves assessment. These concerns can arise during pregnancy as well as after birth, and seeking help does not require waiting until symptoms become severe.
Perinatal mental health care at Mentis starts with discussing when symptoms began, your previous mental health history and the demands you are managing now. Our maternal mental health services focus on psychiatric evaluation and medication care, including planning before pregnancy and reviewing postpartum concerns.
Perinatal Medication Management for Your Circumstances
Perinatal medication management involves individualized discussions during pregnancy planning, pregnancy, the postpartum period and breastfeeding. Decisions consider current symptoms, previous treatment response and the potential risks and benefits of treatment and untreated illness. A single statement that every medication is safe or unsafe cannot answer an individual treatment question.
Postpartum depression treatment and postpartum anxiety treatment may include medication when clinically appropriate. With consent, coordination with your obstetric clinician, primary care provider or outside therapist can help connect mental health decisions with the rest of your care. Do not abruptly change an existing prescription when you learn you are pregnant; contact your prescribing clinician for guidance.
Care is available in Arizona, with eligible adult telehealth appointments in Washington and Maryland. If you already receive care for anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder, share that history when discussing pregnancy or postpartum treatment.
Questions You Can Bring to a Perinatal Appointment
You can seek a consultation before pregnancy or after symptoms begin. Explain both the emotional changes you notice and the medication decisions you need help understanding.
Our care may include:
- Pregnancy plans and current psychiatric treatment
- Mood or anxiety changes during pregnancy or after delivery
- Past postpartum symptoms and previous treatment response
- Breastfeeding plans and questions about medication
- Other clinicians involved in your maternal healthcare
- Your Care Journey
Planning Psychiatric Care Across the Perinatal Period
Share Stage of Care
Request a visit during pregnancy planning, pregnancy or the postpartum period.
Review Symptoms
Discuss current symptoms, previous episodes and medications you use.
Treatment Choices
Review options in context and any coordination needed with maternal healthcare providers.
Revisit Care
Continue follow-up as symptoms, breastfeeding plans or other needs change.
Yes. Discussing your mental health history and current medication before pregnancy can support individualized planning. Bring questions about how care may be reviewed during pregnancy and postpartum.
Baby blues are typically mild and short-lived. Symptoms that are severe, persistent or interfere with daily life need assessment. You can seek help early rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
Yes. Tell your provider about persistent worry, distress or anxiety affecting sleep and daily life after delivery. An evaluation helps clarify the concern and appropriate treatment options.
Contact the prescribing clinician promptly for individualized advice. Do not abruptly stop or change medication on your own. Decisions must consider your circumstances and the risks and benefits of treatment and untreated illness.
Yes. Explain whether you are breastfeeding or plan to do so. Your provider considers this alongside your symptoms, treatment history, medication and relevant infant-related factors.
Seek emergency medical assessment immediately. Call 911 or go to an emergency department. These symptoms can indicate postpartum psychosis, which is outside the outpatient scope at Mentis.
For questions about mood, anxiety or medication around pregnancy, contact Mentis about perinatal care. Review psychiatric medication management for information about ongoing appointments.