Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
You’re Not Just “Hormonal” — You’re Struggling, and You Deserve Help
You thought you'd feel joy. Instead you feel...off.
Maybe you’re crying all the time. Or maybe you feel nothing at all. Maybe your thoughts won’t stop racing, or you’re gripped by dread every time the baby cries. You might feel numb, irritable, trapped, or like you made a mistake. Maybe you’re struggling to sleep, eat, or connect with anyone—including your baby.
You may be wondering, “Is this just baby blues?”
Or, “Why can’t I just be happy?”
The truth is: this isn’t your fault. And it’s not just you.
What Are PMADs?
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders are the most common complication of pregnancy and postpartum. They include a range of emotional struggles that can happen during pregnancy or after birth—affecting all kinds of parents, regardless of gender, background, or how they gave birth.
PMADs can include:
- Postpartum Depression
- Postpartum Anxiety
- Postpartum OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
- Postpartum PTSD (often related to traumatic birth or NICU experiences)
- Postpartum Bipolar Disorder
- Postpartum Psychosis (rare, but serious and urgent)
These are medical conditions—not personal weaknesses. And they’re treatable.
How Common Are PMADs?
- Up to 1 in 5 mothers experience PMADs
- Partners and dads can experience PMADs too—but they’re often overlooked
- Symptoms can appear during pregnancy, not just after birth
You’re not overreacting. You’re not failing. You’re struggling with something real—and we’re here to help.
How PMADs Show Up
- Feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, or detached
- Panic attacks or constant worry that something bad will happen
- Trouble bonding with your baby—or overwhelming guilt if you don’t feel “in love”
- Rage or irritability that feels hard to control
- Shame around not enjoying parenthood
- Repetitive, scary, or intrusive thoughts
- Sleep disruption beyond what’s expected with a newborn
- Feeling like you’re “not yourself” anymore
These experiences can feel terrifying and isolating. But they are treatable—and healing is absolutely possible.
Our Approach
Specialized Modalities
Drawing from a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, attachment-based therapy and somatic psychotherapy/mindfulness-based approaches, we tailor our treatment plans to meet the individual needs of each client.
We never offer a "one-size-fits-all" approach, and focus on connection and support. Our therapists are skilled in addressing a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, grief, and relationship issues, among others.
How Bloom Supports PMAD Recovery
Our therapists are certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) and trained to recognize the nuances of each PMAD. We offer:
- Trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and gender-affirming care
- Support for parents who had fertility struggles, NICU stays, or complex births
- Safe space for both moms and non-birthing parents
- Flexible online therapy across Canada, including evening sessions
- Evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, EMDR, and EFT
Whether you’re unsure what you’re going through or you already have a diagnosis, we’ll meet you exactly where you are.
You Don’t Have to Pretend You’re Fine
You don’t need to be in crisis to deserve support. If something feels off, heavy, or just harder than it should be—we’re here to help you sort through it. Book a free 15-minute consultation here or connect with our client coordinator below for assistance if finding the right match for your care.
NEW CLIENT INQUIRY & BOOKING REQUESTS
Send us a message so we can find the best fit for your care or answer your questions about how we can support you.
Our team of perinatal therapists are parents themselves and understand how complex this journey can be. They understand fertility, postpartum, and how the rest of our lives can affect these times.
Connect with our Client Coordinator today to find the best fit for you.
CONTACT US
Bloom Psychotherapy
647-946-2229
Office Hours
9am-5pm ET
Monday-Friday
Services are provided through secure online video-conferencing or by telephone to anyone in Canada.
We are an LGBTQ affirmative practice and welcome all individuals or couples who seek support and guidance at any point in their lives.
We work to foster an inclusive environment that supports and does not discriminate, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or disability. We recognize that families are built in many ways and welcome any and all families.
Babies are always welcome in session.
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