Frequently Asked Women’s Mental Health Questions

I’m struggling. What should I do right now?

If you’re in crisis or feeling unsafe, please get immediate help. You can call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org anytime or contact the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 833-852-6262. These services are free, confidential, and open 24/7.

What makes Brookside different from other mental health clinics?

We specialize in mental health care for women and others affected by female reproductive hormones. This includes care during pregnancy, postpartum, menstruation, and menopause.
We understand how hormones affect mental health, and we use that knowledge to give you care tailored to your body and life stage.

What kinds of mental health conditions do you treat?

We treat a wide range of concerns, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Trauma and PTSD
• PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
• Postpartum depression and anxiety
• Menopause-related mood changes
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

What does “perinatal” mean?

For mental health purposes, the term “perinatal” technically refers to the time from the start of pregnancy through the first year of postpartum. In practice, we often care for patients before pregnancy and well beyond the first year of postpartum.

This is a time of big changes — physically, emotionally, and mentally — and good care during this period can make a big difference.

Everyone’s experience during the perinatal period is different. That’s why it’s important to get care that supports your full well-being, body and mind.

Is it normal to feel anxious or sad after having a baby?

Yes — and you’re not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed, sad, or anxious after birth. Mild versions of this may be the “baby blues,” which usually go away after a couple of weeks. If the feelings last longer or feel intense, it could be postpartum depression or anxiety, and we can help.

What’s the difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression?

It’s normal to feel emotional after having a baby, but there’s a difference between the “baby blues” and postpartum depression.

Baby blues

• Very common — affects up to 80% of new parents
• Starts a few days after birth, peaks 3-5 days postpartum, and usually goes away within 2 weeks
• Symptoms include mood swings, crying easily, feeling overwhelmed, irritability, and trouble sleeping
• Caused by hormonal changes. Sleep loss and the stress of adjusting to life with a newborn can intensify symptoms

Postpartum depression (PPD)

• Lasts longer than the baby blues and can start anytime during the first year after birth. Many people (up to 60%) actually start experiencing symptoms during pregnancy that just don’t get recognized until the postpartum period.
• Symptoms are more intense and may include sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, loss of interest in things you enjoy, guilt, changes in appetite, or trouble bonding with your baby
• May interfere with your ability to care for yourself or your baby
• Often needs treatment, which may include therapy, medication, or both, and it works

If you’re not sure what you’re feeling, that’s okay — we’re here to help you figure it out and get the support you need.

Why is it hard to recognize perinatal depression or anxiety?

It’s often confused with normal parenting stress or exhaustion. Many people feel guilty or ashamed, or worry about what others will think. The stigma surrounding mental health and a fear of judgment can prevent individuals from seeking help, but these feelings are medical, not personal, and they are treatable.

What should I do if I think I’m depressed or anxious during pregnancy or after having a baby?

Please reach out. You don’t need a diagnosis to ask for help.

• Call us: 757-453-1256
• Talk to your OB-GYN, midwife, or family doctor
• Call Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773. In Virginia you can call the PSVA Warmline. Call or text our year-round peer-led Warmline (se habla espanol): 703-829-7152

What causes perinatal anxiety and depression?

There’s no one cause. These conditions are usually triggered by a mix of hormonal changes, sleep loss, stress, and life changes. They are not your fault.

What treatments are available?

We build a personalized plan that may include:

• Medication
• Talk therapy
• Self-care strategies
• Social support
• Help with sleep and stress management

Can I take medication while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes, many people do. We’ll help you weigh the benefits and risks so you can feel confident in your decision. Our team is trained in medication safety during pregnancy and lactation.

Do you offer medication management services?

Yes. Our psychiatric nurse practitioners are here to help you decide if medication is the right option for your mental health needs.

We provide medication evaluation and ongoing management for a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), and mood changes during menopause or perimenopause.

Options during pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Many psychiatric medications are used during pregnancy and lactation
• We’ll help you understand the benefits and any potential risks
• Our team specializes in reproductive psychiatry. We support mental health during hormone changes, especially in pregnancy, and guide the use of medications.

Support for PMDD and hormone-related mood symptoms

• Medications like selective serotonin reuptake Inhibitors and oral contraceptives may help regulate mood
• Lifestyle changes, therapy, and stress management strategies can also make a difference
• We’ll help you explore what combination of treatments works best for you

Help during menopause and perimenopause

• Hormone therapy or antidepressants may be recommended, depending on your symptoms and health history
• We also offer non-medication options like talk therapy, CBT, and wellness strategies

Every person is different. That’s why we take the time to understand your symptoms, your goals, and your story — and partner with you to find a treatment that works.

Can I do therapy online or over video phone calls?

Absolutely. We offer telehealth so you can get care from the comfort and privacy of home. Many of our clients tell us this makes it much easier to fit mental health care into their lives.

How long will it take to feel better?

Everyone is different. But with the right support, most people do get better. Often, mental health concerns related to hormonal changes respond better and more quickly to medication treatment. Healing takes time, but we’ll walk with you every step of the way.

What is PMDD?

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a more intense version of PMS. It includes serious mood symptoms like depression, irritability, and anxiety, often in the weeks before a period. It’s a real condition, and we can help manage it.

Can menopause affect my mental health?

Yes. Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to mood swings, anxiety, irritability, or depression, especially if you’re also dealing with poor sleep or hot flashes. It’s common, and there are many ways to treat it.

What helps with mood and sleep problems during menopause?

• Regular exercise
• Good sleep habits
• Stress-reducing activities like yoga or mindfulness
• Counseling or therapy
• Medication, if needed
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in some cases — talk to your provider

Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) safe for mental health?

For some people, HRT helps with both physical and emotional symptoms. For others, it may not make a big difference. We’ll help you understand the risks and benefits so you can decide what’s right for you.

How can I talk to my partner about my mental health?

Be open and honest. Let them know what you’re going through, even if you don’t have all the words yet. A supportive partner can make a big difference. If it’s hard to talk, couples therapy can help.

How can I support a loved one who is experiencing perinatal mental health challenges?

Supporting a loved one can be crucial. Encouraging them to seek professional help, offering practical support (like help with childcare or household tasks), and simply listening without judgment can make a big difference. We can also offer guidance for partners and family members.

Still have questions?

Brookside Psychiatric Specialists understands that the mental health questions and concerns that arise throughout a woman’s life, particularly during times of hormonal fluctuation like menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, are significant and deserve specialized attention. We hope this frequently asked questions page has provided helpful information and reassurance that you are not alone in your experiences.

If you have further questions or are ready to connect with a team of compassionate, woman-centered experts dedicated to your well-being, we encourage you to reach out. We are here to listen, support, and guide you toward feeling your best.

Call us at 757-453-1256 to learn more about these topics or our women’s healthcare center. You deserve to feel better, and we can help you get there.