Your patient is diagnosed with perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. You know your patient understands your teaching about this when she states:

Choice A: I am a terrible mother and should give my child up for adoption. This is a false and harmful statement that reflects low self-esteem, guilt, and hopelessness. These are common symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, but they do not reflect the reality or the potential of the patient. The patient needs support, counseling, and possibly medication to overcome these negative thoughts.

Choice B: This is just normal baby blues and I will be fine in a few days. This is a false and minimizing statement that denies the severity and duration of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. Baby blues are mild and transient mood changes that occur in the first two weeks after delivery. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorder is a more serious and persistent condition that can affect the mother's mental health, bonding with the baby, and daily functioninG. The patient needs to recognize the signs and symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder and seek professional help.

Choice C: I will have to be on medications the rest of my lifE. This is a false and pessimistic statement that assumes that perinatal mood and anxiety disorder is a chronic and incurable condition. Medications are one of the treatment options for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, but they are not the only onE. Psychotherapy, peer support, lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies are also effective ways to manage perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. The patient needs to have a realistic and hopeful outlook on the recovery process and the possibility of remission.

Choice D: I am not alone, I am not to blame, I will get better with help. This is a true and empowering statement that reflects the key messages of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder education and awareness. The patient needs to know that perinatal mood and anxiety disorder is a common and treatable condition that affects many women around the worlD. The patient needs to understand that perinatal mood and anxiety disorder is not caused by personal weakness, failure, or fault. The patient needs to believe that perinatal mood and anxiety disorder can be overcome with the help of health care providers, family, friends, and support groups.