Mental health is a key part of your overall health and well–being. It affects how you think, feel and act throughout your life.

As a mom–to–be, you need to care for both your physical and mental health. For example, if you have depression while you’re pregnant, it can affect your baby’s physical and emotional development.

Sometimes it’s hard to know when you might need help with some of the emotions you feel when you’re pregnant. You might:

• Feel empty or emotionless for longer than two weeks during or after pregnancy
• Think you don’t love or care for your baby
• Worry that you won’t be a good mother
• Feel extreme sadness and/or anxiety during pregnancy and after giving birth

Moms’ Mental Health Matters explains some of the signs to watch for, and suggests some things you can do, in addition to treatment, that may help you feel better.

Challenges You Face as a New Mom

It can be difficult getting used to life with a newborn. You’re also dealing with lack of sleep, new responsibilities, breast pain if you’re nursing or even postpartum depression. It’s more common than you may think.

Treatment for anxiety, depression and postpartum depression can help you and your baby be as healthy as possible.