We talk a lot about taking care of our bodies during pregnancy and postpartum.

Eat well. Move your body. Drink your water. Rest when you can.

But what about your mental health?

Perinatal mental health disorders can happen during pregnancy or anytime in the first year (and beyond) after having a baby. And they are more common than many people realize.

They can look like:

• Feeling persistently sad, empty, or hopeless

• Anxiety that feels constant or difficult to control

• Racing thoughts or feeling unable to “turn your brain off”

• Irritability or anger that feels bigger than usual

• Feeling disconnected from your baby or yourself

• Constantly worrying that something bad will happen

• Intrusive, unwanted thoughts that are upsetting or frightening

• Feeling overwhelmed by everyday things

• Changes in sleep or appetite that feel beyond what you'd expect

• Feeling like you're failing, even when you're doing everything you can

And sometimes, it doesn't look like sadness at all.

You might still be going to work.

Still showing up to FIT4MOM.

Still laughing with your friends.

Still taking care of everyone else.

You can be functioning and still be struggling.

And having these symptoms does not mean you're a bad mom. It doesn't mean you aren't grateful for your baby. It doesn't mean you should be able to handle it better.

Perinatal mental health disorders are medical conditions—not character flaws. They are treatable, and asking for help is not a sign that you're failing.

So if something feels different from you, tell someone.

Tell your partner.

Tell your doctor or midwife.

Tell your therapist.

Tell your FIT4MOM village.

You don't have to wait until you're falling apart to deserve support.

And if a mama in your life tells you she's struggling, you don't have to fix it.

Start with:

“I'm really glad you told me.”

“You don't have to go through this alone.”

“How can I support you?”

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can give a new mom is a safe place to be honest.

Your mental health matters, mama.

You matter beyond what you do for everyone else.

If you or someone you love is experiencing severe symptoms, thoughts of self-harm, or thoughts of harming the baby, seek immediate professional support. In the U.S., call or text 988 for crisis support. For perinatal-specific support, Postpartum Support International HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773.