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Is depression stealing you? Why women don’t ask for help TO GET HELP
To find a person who is trained to help you, contact your regular health care provider. For free or confidential information on pregnancy related programs and services, including perinatal depression, call the Pennsylvania Healthy Baby Helpline:
1-800-986-BABY
(2229)The Helpline also welcomes calls from a family member, partner, or friend of the woman who seems depressed. The Helpline is open Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm; Saturday, 9am-3pm. IN A CRISIS
For nationwide
24-hour help, or
in a crisis, call:
1-800-PPD-MOMS
(773-6667) |
What is perinatal depression? It is a common condition called perinatal depression that affects 1 in 7 women* during pregnancy or up to one year after childbirth. Perinatal depression is more than the “baby blues.” It doesn't go away on its own within a couple of weeks. Perinatal depression changes the way a woman thinks, feels and behaves. It can make her seem so different that the people who know and love her barely recognize the person she has become. Some women try very hard to hide their feelings and pretend everything is okay. Happily, with proper care and treatment, women who have perinatal depression can soon start feeling like themselves again. *Source: Postpartum Support International, www.postpartum.net Is depression stealing you? Think about how you have been feeling and acting during the past week or two:
Do more than one of these statements describe how you feel? If so, you may have perinatal depression and you should get help right away. Why women don't ask for help Some women won’t seek help for perinatal depression even though they are suffering from many of the symptoms. They may be afraid to tell anyone because they have fears like these:
The truth is that all these are much more likely to happen if you DON’T ask for help. Depression that is not treated can get worse over time, making you less able to care for yourself, your baby and your family. Some woman don't tell because they think feeling this way is normal when you're pregnant or have a newborn. Or they think the feelings will go away soon. Or they think sharing these feelings with others would bring shame or embarrassment. What really happens when you get help is this: You start to feel better. You start acting like the mother and partner you always wanted to be. |
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The information on this website is also available as a booklet. To download a PDF version of the booklet, click here.
The Pennsylvania Perinatal Partnership created this website to raise awareness about depression before, during and after pregnancy.
The information is not a substitute for personal medical advice, attention, diagnosis or treatment.
If you have questions or concerns about your health or the health of your baby, consult your health care professional.
© Copyright Pennsylvania Perinatal Partnership 2009. All rights reserved.
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