Maternal Mental Health

Helping you, your baby and your family

Take a Screening Now

If you or someone you know are concerned about depression during pregnancy or after having a baby, help is available.

Take a Screening

Mental health plays a big role in a healthy pregnancy. When a person feels anxious, stressed or depressed during pregnancy, it can affect their sleep, appetite and energy levels. This can make it harder to keep up with doctor visits, eat well or prepare for your baby.

High levels of stress and untreated depression can also increase the risk of early labor, low birth weight, complications during labor and delivery, and problems with breastfeeding.

Approximately one in seven women and one in 10 men experience significant depression during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth.
— Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative

What is Perinatal Depression?

Perinatal depression is a type of depression that happens during pregnancy or after giving birth. It can affect how a person thinks, feels and handles daily life. This condition is more than just feeling sad or tired — it's a serious medical illness that needs support and treatment.

When Does it Happen?

  • During pregnancy —This is often called prenatal depression and can start at any time during pregnancy. The risk of depression seems to be similar during each trimester.
  • After childbirth — This is known as postpartum depression and usually begins within the first few weeks after childbirth, but can also start later.

Some people feel depressed at both times.

Signs & Symptoms

Everyone feels down sometimes, and may even experience the "baby blues" but perinatal depression lasts longer and can be more intense.

Common symptoms include:

  • Feeling sad, hopeless or empty
  • Being very tired or having no energy
  • Crying often
  • Feeling angry, anxious or irritable
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Sleep disturbances, even when the baby sleeps
  • Changes in appetite
  • Trouble bonding with the baby
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Negative thoughts
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby (in serious cases)

Risk Factors

Perinatal depression can happen to anyone. Stress over being pregnant, changes in your body and everyday worries can take a toll. Some common risk factors include:

  • Hormone changes during and after pregnancy
  • Stress or problems in relationships
  • Lack of sleep
  • Personal or family history of depression
  • Lack of support from friends or family
  • Domestic violence or substance use
  • Poor coping mechanisms

Treatment

There is help available and treatment works. Some options include:

  • Talking with your doctor, counselor or therapist — Many people feel better after talking with their doctor or a mental health professional. They are there to listen, provide resources and be a partner on your journey.
  • Take a screening — Effective, free and validated screening tools exist to identify mothers and fathers at risk for perinatal depression.
  • Medicine — Some antidepressants are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  • Support groups — Talking with others who are going through the same thing can help.
  • Connect with supportive family and friends — Ask yourself who you can talk to about your feelings that will be non-judgmental listeners. You need and deserve emotional support from those you trust.
  • Self-care — Rest, exercise and healthy food can make a difference. Emphasize protein, whole grains and vegetables. Increase water intake. Decrease caffeine and sugar. Avoid alcohol.

Ways to Get Help

1.Take a screening

2. Talk to your doctor

3. Call Bryan Counseling Center - 402-481-5991; in-person or telehealth appointments

4. Get the Bryan Baby App

5. Visit Postpartum Support International- Or call or text 1-800-944-4773

Need help now? You're not alone.

If you or a loved on are experiencing thoughts of suicide or are in an emotional crisis, immediate support is available.

Bryan West Campus Mental Health Emergency Department - 24/7 crisis assessments; 2300 S. 16th Street, Lincoln, NE.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline - Call or text 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-MAMA) for free 24/7 confidential support to new moms and their loved ones. Available in multiple languages.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call or text 988 for free 24/7 confidential suicide/crisis support.

Additional Local Resources

Crete

Lincoln

Grand Island & Central City

  • Bryan Counseling Center (Telehealth): 402-481-5991
  • Live Well Counseling Center: 308-381-7487
  • Postpartum Support International: Call or text 1-800-944-4773
  • MidPlains Center for Behavioral Health: 308-385-5250

Kearney