Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Approximately 1 or 2 out of 500 moms will experience postpartum psychosis. Extreme media stories have helped encourage inaccurate assumptions about the disorder. Not all people going through postpartum psychosis hurt themselves or their children. This condition is treatable.
Those suffering from postpartum psychosis experience a break from reality. In a psychotic state, hallucinations, delusions and beliefs make perfect sense. As opposed to postpartum-OCD, thoughts in postpartum psychosis will be seen as logical, true and/or comfortable to the person having the thoughts.
It’s important to note that many survivors of postpartum psychosis never harm themselves or anyone else, or have violent delusions. However, because postpartum psychosis causes irrational thinking and judgement, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you or your loved one are evaluated, treated and carefully monitored by a perinatal mental health professional.
What you’re experiencing is very scary and you may fear telling anyone how you feel, but it’s so important you get help. This is a temporary and treatable illness and with the right professional help, you will get better. If you’re a loved one, make sure this mom has 24/7 supervision until she is seen by a health care professional.
Please seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following:
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Feeling paranoid or suspecting that others are out to get you
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Seeing and/or hearing things that no one else does
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Experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others that you want to act on
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You are unable to sleep and have more energy than you’ve ever had before
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You are irritated by the fact that those around you don’t seem to understand you
