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Postpartum Psychosis

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An unfortunate, and less-often discussed postpartum complication is Postpartum Psychosis, or PPP. While more rare than other postpartum issues, this is one that is always considered an emergency! Many may remember the infamous case of Andrea Yates, who drowned her children in the bathtub. She was vilified heavily by the media and public, though it was only later concluded that she was suffering from Postpartum Psychosis. She had claimed that Satan told her she was a bad mother, so in order to prevent them from going to hell, she drowned them.


The line between PPP and intrusive thoughts can be somewhat confusing. A lot of people experience postpartum intrusive thoughts, such as, “What if I drop my baby down the stairs?” Or “What if I accidentally drown my baby?” Neither of these consist of delusion and moreover, are typically disturbing thoughts to have. In contrast, someone experiencing PPP might have similar thoughts with INTENTION behind them, and there may be associated delusions that MAKE SENSE to them (i.e., What if I drown my baby to prevent them from going to hell?”)

While the rates for PPP are very low compared to other issues, a pre-existing diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder or a psychotic disorder such as Schizophrenia substantially increases the risk for developing PPP.

If you or a loved one is struggling during the postpartum phase and is showing any of these signs, contact your doctor or a mental health crisis line as soon as possible. A great resource (free!) in the US is the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).

For other postpartum care, I am accepting counseling clients virtually all over Texas, as well as in person in the Dallas/Fort Worth area!

#postpartum #postpartumpsychosis #postpartumjourney #maternalmentalhealth #maternalmentalhealthawareness #postpartummentalhealth