u A Guide for Healthcare Providers ee rey aa Sor rnc eee 2 "Are you having any thoughts that are searing you?” "Stary thoughts are a very common symptom of postpartum depression and anxiety but can also be present in women with ne diagnosis, The majority of both mothers (91%) and fathers (88%) report intrusive thoughts about their baby at some point after the birth following their baby's birth (Abramowitz, 2006) Br Postpartum "Scary Thoughts": *Scary thoughts are defined as negative, repetitive, unwanted, intrusive thoughts that can bombard a pastpartum woman at any time. “Scary thoughts can come in the form of thoughts (what if I burn my baby in the bath?) or images (vistons of the baby falling down the steps) or impulses (what if I can't help myself and I hurt my baby?) Scary thoughts can be indirect or passive (something bad might happen to the baby) or they can imply intention (I could be the one to. hurt him). “Scary thoughts are NOT an indication of psychosis. They can make a woman feel like she is going crazy but she is not. "A MOTHER'S ANXIETY AND DISTRESS OVER THESE THOUGHTS IS A GOOD SIGN, This means the thoughts are anxiety-driven and will respond well to treatment. ‘Any woman who discloses that she is viorried about thoughts she is having should be referred to a mental health specialist who can assess for proper treatment. porbrhensoee som