Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, distressing thoughts, images, or urges that everyone experiences from time to time. During the perinatal period, however, they can be more persistent, violent/graphic, and disturbing. Intrusive thoughts alone aren’t usually an issue, but if they persist and start to affect functioning, it might be time to reach out to a mental health professional.

The holidays can be tough, especially if you are a perfectionist. Here are some tips for softening expectations for yourself and finding moments of joy.

Perinatal OCD is different from postpartum anxiety or depression. It can start during pregnancy or postpartum and includes frequent, disturbing and unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses (obsessions) as well as behaviors such as checking, avoiding, washing, to neutralize them (compulsions). h Carolina.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can have debilitating symptoms of recurrent and unwanted thoughts, images, sensations (obsessions) and repetitive or ritualistic attempts to neutralize or get rid of the distress (compulsions). Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the recommended first line treatment for OCD symptoms and has a large body of research to support its efficacy.