Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

CMHS Consumer Affairs E-News
April 30, 2007, Vol. 07-72

New HRSA Booklet Promotes Greater Awareness of Perinatal Depression

A new booklet on depression during and after pregnancy (perinatal depression) released today by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) contains tips on identifying the condition in mothers and offers six steps to help treat it successfully. Perinatal depression includes a broad range of physical and emotional symptoms that many women face during pregnancy or within a year following the birth of a child.

Called "Depression During and After Pregnancy: A Resource for Women, Their Families, and Friends," the 22-page booklet is designed to increase awareness among women and clinicians of perinatal depression's impact and pervasiveness. As many as 80 percent of women experience some type of depressive symptoms during pregnancy or soon after the birth of a child; most symptoms begin two to three days after birth.

Perinatal depression can be mild, moderate or severe, with symptoms such as sadness, irritability, anxiety or excessive worrying, and loss of interest in personal appearance. The mother's depression may impact her baby's health as well. Babies also may have problems in learning and behavior as they grow older.

"Perinatal depression prevents many women from taking part in everyday activities and participating in the things they enjoy," said HRSA Administrator Elizabeth M. Duke. "Public education is critical in helping women and their families identify symptoms and seek help when needed. That's what this booklet can do, and that's why it's so important."

The booklet includes six simple steps a woman can take if she believes she is at risk of, or is experiencing, perinatal depression. They are:

• Lean on family and friends;
• Talk to a health care professional;
• Find a support group;
• Talk to a mental health care provider;
• Focus on wellness, especially diet and exercise; and
• Take medication as recommended by your health care or mental health provider.

The new booklet also contains information for family members and a list of print and Internet resources. A new Web site, www.mchb.hrsa.gov/pregnancyandbeyond/depression, provides easy-to-understand, downloadable tools for women, their families and health care professionals.

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The Center for Mental Health Services is a component of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States Department of Health and Human Services.