Finding Help for Post-Partum Depression

After giving birth, many women find themselves experiencing what is commonly known as the “baby blues.” During this initial period post-partum, as many as 80 percent of new mothers may have difficulty sleeping, cry for no obvious reason, and feel anxious, restless, sad, tired, and unsure of their ability to parent. This experience is very normal for mothers, and typically these symptoms are strongest within 3-7 days after the child’s birth. However, for approximately 10-15 percent of mothers, these symptoms persist and may even increase, developing into post-partum depression, anxiety or perinatal emotional concerns. While symptoms of post-partum depression or other related perinatal emotional concerns usually present within the first three months after delivery, they can also appear anytime during pregnancy or within a year after the baby’s birth.

What is post-partum depression?

Post-partum depression involves a period of at least two weeks of depressed mood or loss of interest in all activities. Other symptoms include: intense feelings of anger or sadness, decreased energy, withdrawal from friends and family, self-criticism, changes in appetite or weight, trouble taking care of yourself or the baby, or thoughts of harming yourself or the baby.

Any woman experiencing these symptoms should immediately call her doctor, who will recommend any of a variety of treatment options. Treatment may include counseling that focuses on learning skills to cope with the overwhelming emotions women experience during this time, as well as tips for increasing support and communication with significant others. Medication may also be recommended, as might support groups or complementary treatments such as yoga, or meditation. Post-partum depression is extremely difficult for the women who suffer from it and their families. However, recognizing the symptoms is the first step, and help and treatments are available.

Treatment options

In Massachusetts there is a program called MCPAP for Moms. MCPAP for Moms promotes maternal and child health by building the capacity of medical providers serving pregnant and postpartum women and their children up to one year after delivery. Its goal is to effectively prevent, identify, and manage depression. In addition, several community partners affiliated with MCPAP for Moms throughout Massachusetts offer support groups for mothers, fathers and families.

The Freedman Center, as a partner with MCPAP for Moms, offers support groups for mothers and fathers to promote skills for their parenting journey. Please visit our website (www.freedmancenter.org) for more information or to register for one of our programs.

For more information about our upcoming Balance After Baby series, beginning Wednesday, March 25, visit http://www.mspp.edu/community/freedman-center/ppd.php. To learn more about our Freedman Center programs for parents, children and families, please visit our website: http://www.mspp.edu/community/freedman-center/index.php

As adapted from an article by Dr. Nadja Reilly, Associate Director of the Freedman Center for Child and Family Development at the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. To read the full article, please visit http://msppinterface.org/postpartum/more.