Catholic Charities Addresses Postpartum Mental Health Challenges, Urges Community Support
Catholic Charities is actively working to raise awareness and provide support for postpartum mental health, emphasizing that many new mothers experience emotional complexities beyond the initial joy of childbirth. Justin Fax, practice director of Catholic Charities Behavioral Health Services, notes that 50 to 80% of new mothers experience 'baby blues,' which typically involve mild mood swings, sadness, and anxiety, peaking around three to five days after birth. However, if these symptoms intensify, worsen, or persist beyond two weeks, it may indicate a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, such as postpartum depression or anxiety. Symptoms can include excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, severe sadness, hopelessness, anger, appetite changes, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, withdrawal from social circles, or difficulty bonding with the baby. Pam Santiago, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, stresses that new parents are not alone and should not feel ashamed to seek help, despite potential stigma.
