Perinatal Depression

Mothers who are depressed lack the energy to carry out even the simplest tasks, like reading to their children, or simply, most importantly, to have fun with them, singing, playing or just cuddling.

Impact on Children

Perinatal depression can impair critical early bonding and relationships between Mom and baby. This in turn can impact the child’s healthy early development and school readiness.

Who is at Risk?

All women, no matter what age, race, income, culture or education. It affects women who breastfeed and those who don't. It affects women with healthy babies and those whose children are ill. It affects first-time mothers and those with children. If affects women who are married and those who are not. It affects women who had trouble during the pregnancy and those who did not.

There are factors that increase a woman's chances of having Perinatal Depression, including: a family history of depression or bipolar disorder, a history of alcohol or drug abuse, a recent stressful event, relationship or financial problems, or a previous pregnancy with Perinatal Depression.

What are the Types of Perinatal Depression?

Depression During Pregnancy

Pregnant women face many challenges, such as morning sickness, weight gain, and mood swings. Other symptoms, including feeling really tired, appetite changes and poor sleep, when they interfere with the things you do everyday, can be more serious, and you should consider seeking help.

Postpartum Depression

About one in eight women suffer from Postpartum Depression, which can occur at birth or any time in the first year after giving birth. Common symptoms include sad feelings, feeling very anxious or worrying too much, being irritable or cranky, trouble sleeping (even when tired) or sleeping too much, trouble concentrating or remembering things, trouble making decisions, loss of interest in caring for yourself (including dressing, bathing, fixing hair), loss of interest in food or overeating, not feeling up to doing everyday tasks, frequent crying, even about little things, showing too much (or not enough) concern for the baby, and loss of pleasure or interest in things you used to enjoy (including sex).

Postpartum Psychosis

About 1 in 1000 women suffer from a rare and severe form of Perinatal Depression, called Postpartum Psychosis. Women who have a bipolar disorder or other psychiatric problems may have a higher risk for developing Postpartum Psychosis. The symptoms include extreme confusion, hopelessness, cannot sleep (even when exhausted), refusing to eat, distrusting other people, seeing things or hearing voices that are not there, thoughts of hurting yourself, your baby, or others.

If you or someone you know fits this description, please seek medical help immediately. This is a medical emergency requiring URGENT care.

How Do I Know if I Have Perinatal Depression?

Only a trained medical professional can tell you if you have Perinatal Depression. However, the following questions can help you know whether you have some of the common symptoms.

During the past week or two...

Have you been unable to laugh and see the funny side of things?

Have you not looked forward to things you usually enjoy?

Have you blamed yourself unnecessarily when things went wrong?

Have you been anxious or worried for no good reason?

Have you felt scared or panicky for no good reason?

Have things been getting the best of you?

Have you been so unhappy that you have had difficulty sleeping?

Have you felt sad or miserable?

Have you been so unhappy that you have been crying?

Have you thought of harming yourself, your baby or others?

If you answered yes to more than one question, you should seek medical help to determine if you are suffering from Perinatal Depression so that a course of action can be planned.

What Can I Do if I Have Perinatal Depression?

It is important to realize that you are not alone. Perinatal Depression affects thousands of women and can be treated successfully. Here are some things that can help:

1. Lean on family and friends. Get help cleaning the house or running errands. A few hours a week of childcare can provide a much needed break. By sharing feelings openly with family and friends, it allows them to provide the important support you need.

2. Talk to a Health Care Professional. Health Care Professionals (including your doctor, your baby's doctor, or a nurse) are familiar with Perinatal Depression and know ways that can help. They can explain your options to you. An easy way to raise the subject is to say that you were reading this article and some of it sounded familiar to you, and say which parts. If you health care provider does not understand, do not give up because there are many excellent providers who will understand and are able to help.

3. Find a support group. Talking to other women who are also suffering from Perinatal Depression can give you a chance to learn from others and share your own feelings. Ask your health care professional how to find and join a support group.

4. Talk to a Mental Health Care Professional. Ask if they have experience in helping women with Perinatal Depression. They can give you a safe place to express your feelings and help you find the best ways to manage, and even get rid of your symptoms.

5. Focus on Wellness. Taking care of your body is an important step toward treating Perinatal Depression. Prioritize the most important things in you life and let go of what is least important, so that you can focus on your own health and well-being. A healthy diet and exercise can help you gain energy and feel strong.

Food:

Eat breakfast in the morning to start your day right.
Eat a variety of foods from all food groups, including two servings of fruit and three servings of vegetables each day.
Choose healthy snacks like non-fat milk, yogurt, fruit and nuts.
Avoid alcohol use.

Exercise:

Invite friends to go on walks in your neighborhood or to the park.
Try a new activity, such as swimming or biking.
Take time to stretch and strengthen your muscles.

6. Take medication as recommended by your health care provider. Discuss which medication (if any) is best for you with your health care provider and become educated about treatment options.

What Can a Spouse or Partner Do?

Encourage her to seek help, since this is the quickest path to recovery. Offer support and encouragement, since this can reduce some of her suffering. Listen and let her express her feelings to you. Allow her to focus on her own needs, because physical and social activities help the women suffering from Perinatal Depression feel stronger, more relaxed and better about themselves. Take time for yourself, by continuing your work, hobbies and outside relationships.

What Can Friends and Family Do?

Ask how you can help, including baby-sitting and house cleaning. Let her know you are there for her, even if she doesn't like talking. Understand that the father may also feel stressed.

Where Can I Get More Information?

Here is a list of resources that can help:

Postpartum Support International

For information on treatment, support groups and resources in the United States and 25 countries.
Phone: 800-944-4PPD (800-944-4773): Internet address: http://www.postpartum.net
: Postpartum Education for Parents

: A 24-hour support line is available for one-to-one support, from basic infant care to the baby blues and other perinatal topics.
Phone: 805-967-7636 (this may be a long distance call): Internet address: http://www.sbpep.org

Mental Health America

For information on Perinatal Depression including a locator to find a mental health center or provider in your area.: Phone: 800-969-NMHA (800-969-6642)
Internet address: http://www.nmha.org

SAMHSA National Mental Health

For information on depression, including a locator to find a mental health center in your area.: Phone: 800-789-2647
Internet address: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov

National Women's Health Information Center

Frequently asked questions about depression and pregnancy are available on the website. Phone: 800-994-WOMAN (800-994-9662): Internet address: http://www.4women.gov or http://www.womenshealth.gov

National Institute of Mental Health

This website has links to health information and research studies on depression.: Phone: 866-615-6464
Internet address: http://nimh.nih.gov

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Resources for you and your health care provider.: Phone: 800-762-2264
Internet address: http://www.acog.org

Books:

Beyond the Blues, by Shoshana S. Bennett and Pec Indman (Moodswing Press, 2006): Available in Spanish

Beyond the Birth, by Dawn Gruen, Rex Gentry, Abby Meyers, and Sandra Jolley (Depression After Delivery, 2003)