From Blue to You Postpartum Depression

Vignette Meet Abby

What do you think is going on with Abby? Abby is still within the time frame to develop postpartum depression She does not take pleasure or interest in any activities Abby does not have energy She is not sleeping well

Abby is disinterested in her child Abby is having a hard time at work Abby is having difficulty concentrating What do you think is going on with Abby?

What is postpartum depression? A form of depression after delivery of a baby that requires treatment. Has a variety of symptoms Can occur up to 1 year after birth

What postpartum depression is not It is not the same as having the “baby blues” The feelings may be similar but she feels them much more strongly and longer than she would with the baby blues

Is postpartum depression common? Abby is not alone About 10 percent of women will experience postpartum depression

What are the symptoms? Physical symptoms Emotional symptoms Psychosocial symptoms

Stigma Embarrassment Fear of what others will think Affects treatment-seeking

Treatment Talk therapy Medication therapy Combination: talk therapy and medication therapy

Addresses mental, social, and environmental causes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Couples/Family Therapy Talk therapy

Medication therapy SSRIs most common Some medications can be used while breastfeeding Talk to doctor

Combination therapy Talk and Medication Therapy –Abby takes medication and participates in talk therapy. –Most effective

Where to go for help Health care professionals –Talk to primary care provider or OB/midwife Social services Online

Where to go for help online –Support groups –Chat rooms –Blogs –Websites

Get help Be there for Abby Help with the baby Help with household chores Listen Spend time with Abby Encourage participation in some activities that once gave pleasure If you were Abby’s family member, what could you do to help?

What to do if you think you have postpartum depression? Get help Get sleep Eat right Exercise Get out of the house Take breaks Find help to care for the baby and other needs

References American Academy of Family Physicians (1999). Postpartum depression and the "baby blues." Retrieved from Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (2005). Depression During and After Pregnancy Harms, R. (2008). Postpartum depression: How does it affect the baby? Retrieved from Jones, H. (2007). A brief introduction to perinatal mood disorders. Retrieved from Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Postpartum depression. Retrieved from NIMH (2008). The many dimensions of depression in women. Retrieved from know/the-many-dimensions-of-depression-in-women.shtml know/the-many-dimensions-of-depression-in-women.shtml Postpartum Support International (2008). Tips for postpartum partners. Retrieved from Stone, K. (2008). Postpartum Progress.

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