What is shared decision making?
Shared Decision Making
An overwhelming amount of research points to the benefits of a, 'Shared Decision-Making' process between you and your healthcare provider (me=)). True Shared Decision -Making is a bidirectional exchange between you and I and seeks to help you choose the best route forward. Your decision should be based on your values and desires as well be informed by all of the benefits, risks and costs that may come with that choice.
Remember, I'm here to hold space for you as you navigate this challenging time- not tell you what to do. Together, we will work through your challenges and you will lead the way when coming up with what treatment options you want to explore. You're always in the driver's seat, guiding your care.
Now, let's see how you're feeling and explore all of the treatment options available to help you with your symptoms.
What do PMAD's look like? How do they feel?
Mild Symptoms
Moderate Symptoms
Moderate Symptoms
Mild symptoms may include the following:
- A bit of sadness with the ability to brighten up
- Feeling on edge or tense
- Slight challenges getting to sleep
- A change in your appetite (overeating/ under-eating)
- Decreased motivation
- Occasionally finding it difficult to concentrate on things
- Lack of interest in friends or your surroundings
- Feelings of guilt, decreased self-esteem
- Infrequent and fleeting thoughts of harming yourself
Even mild symptoms shouldn't go overlooked.
Let's explore some of the evidence based PMAD treatment options and come up with a plan to help you heal.
Moderate Symptoms
Moderate Symptoms
Moderate Symptoms
Moderate symptoms may include the following:
- Feeling sad or gloomy most of the time
- Constant tension or occasional panic
- Broken or reduced sleep
- Decrease in appetite
- Everyday tasks are difficult to start
- Decreased interest or pleasure in surroundings or friends
- Persistent negative feelings about yourself
- Thoughts of self-harm are common
Moderate symptoms shouldn't go overlooked.
Let's explore some of the evidence based PMAD treatment options and come up with a plan to help you heal. Source: Adapted from MCPAP for Moms Adult Toolkit (2017).
Severe Symptoms
Moderate Symptoms
Severe Symptoms
Severe postpartum depression symptoms may include the following:
- Constant sadness or misery
- Dread, panic or anguish that won't go away
- Must be persuaded to eat
- Unable to care for self or baby without help
- Unable to feel your emotions (can't feel anger/ grief/ sadness/ pleasure)
- Seeing or hearing things that other people don't
- Severe depression and/ or plans of self-harm
SEVERE SYMPTOMS NEED TREATMENT RIGHT AWAY.
*Contact 911 if you are experiencing severe symptoms that involve plans of harm to yourself or others.