When many people think about mental health challenges faced by new parents, they often only consider postpartum depression. However, the reality is that these challenges can be much broader. That’s why the term Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) is becoming more popular. This term encompasses the various ways mental health can be affected, starting from pre-conception and continuing through the postpartum period.

What Are PMADs?

PMADs, or Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, include several mental health issues that can impact individuals during and after pregnancy. This affects not just mothers but also fathers, surrogates, adoptees, grandparents, and those dealing with infertility. Using the term PMADs helps us recognize that the transition to parenthood can have a significant impact on the mental health of everyone involved.

Why Widening the Scope Matters

By using the term PMADs, we acknowledge the wide range of emotional challenges that new parents may face. 

For some, this might show up as increased anxiety or intrusive thoughts that disrupt daily life. Others might experience fluctuations in their mood, such as unipolar or bipolar depression, where feelings can shift from sadness to higher energy levels and irritability. 

Some parents may struggle with postpartum rage when frustrations build up, and in rare cases, there can be postpartum psychosis, which leads to a serious disconnection from reality.

Using PMADs allows us to validate these diverse experiences and reduces the stigma often associated with mental health issues.

Rethinking “Disorder”

The term “disorder” can carry a negative connotation, making it seem like something is fundamentally wrong.

In this context, “disorder” refers to how mental health challenges can interfere with daily functioning—something that many parents experience during significant life changes. Instead of viewing it as a label of failure, we can see it as a signal that support is needed. 

This shift in perspective can make it easier for those affected to seek help.

Reflection Questions

Here are some questions to consider as you reflect on your own journey or support others:

• Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you had known about perinatal mental health before becoming a parent?
• How might understanding PMADs as more than just postpartum depression change your perspective on the parenting journey?
• In what ways could rethinking “disorder” from a label of being “broken” to a challenge affecting daily life empower you or others to seek support?

To learn more about PMADs and listen to a reflection on my personal experience, check out the full video on YouTube.

Stay curious, 

- Chanel