Palm Cards on Signs of Postpartum Depression Available in Fair Lawn

The following press release was submitted by Winning Strategies:

New mothers who experience signs of depression may not even know it or may have time to research symptoms. But what if they saw small tear-off cards in locations that they frequent most: supermarkets, community centers, day cares and churches?

Mothers may realize they are experiencing symptoms and know where to go for help without reading more than a couple of lines.

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is distributing informational palm cards on the signs of postpartum depression (PPD) and other perinatal mood disorders to new locations throughout Fair Lawn. The small card is part of a statewide program to help women, who are experiencing perinatal depression, and their families find information and services.

Fair Lawn locations include:

• St. Anne School, 1-30 Summit Ave.

• Tender Years Infant & Child Care Center, 2-65 Saddle River Road

• Maurice M. Pine Free Public Library, 10-01 Fair Lawn Ave.

• B4 School Learning Center, 1-36 30th Street

• Fair Lawn Jewish Center Nursery School, 10-10 Norma Ave.

• Gen Iris Nursery School, 11-16 Plaza Road

• Play N, Learn Nursery School Inc., 37 Garwood Road

• Quality Education Center, 37-01 Fair Lawn Ave.

• Tender Years Infant Care, 2-65 Saddle River Road

• Helen Troum Nursery School at Temple Beth Sh0lom, 40-25 Fair Lawn Ave.

• The Radburn Pre-School, 29-20 Fair Lawn Ave.

• Van Riper Ellis Christian School, 7-20 Bellair Ave.

The Speak Up When You're Down palm card, available in both English and Spanish, lists signs of perinatal depression, which may include crying; feelings of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness; and lack of interest in family and friends. The card also directs people who want help to the DHSS' statewide Family Helpline (1-800-328-3838), which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions about perinatal mood disorders (PMDs) and available resources. The card also lists the comprehensive informational web site at (www.njspeakup.gov).

DHSS launched the Speak Up When You're Down campaign in 2005 to encourage mothers experiencing symptoms of PPD to seek medical help and to reduce the social stigma associated with depression. When the Postpartum Depression Screening bill was signed into law in 2006, the campaign expanded to assist healthcare providers in implementing the new law, and to educate women and family members about the benefits of screening. New Jersey became the first state in the nation to require that health care professionals educate and screen all new mothers for PPD.