Postpartum depression: Help is out there

Most new mothers, anywhere from 60 to 80 percent, experience at least a brief episode of the "baby blues" — feelings of sadness, anxiety, loneliness or moodiness — within the first few days of giving birth.

After a couple of weeks, these symptoms typically disappear. However, when symptoms persist or deepen in intensity, they may be signs of postpartum depression (PPD). The important thing is to understand the difference and to get help when it is needed.

PPD can affect any woman who has recently had a baby, has ended a pregnancy or has miscarried, or who has stopped breast feeding, but the signs of depression can also appear earlier — when a woman is pregnant, or even planning to be. Regardless of when it occurs, the key message is that PPD is treatable, and treatment is available. Health care providers can diagnose PPD and help a woman find the best treatment for her.

The causes may be biological, psychological, or hormonal. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services estimates that one woman in eight experiences PPD. There is no need to struggle alone. Family members can play an important role by recognizing the warning signs of PPD, helping the woman seek help and providing support. The warning signs are different for everyone but include:

• feeling exhausted, irritable, angry or nervous

• lack of interest in the baby

• feelings of being a bad mother

• crying uncontrollably • feelings of guilt, worthlessness or hopelessness

• thoughts of harming the baby or herself.

Women affected by PPD are fortunate to have numerous resources available to them. In this area, they can contact the Regional Perinatal Center of Monmouth and Ocean Counties Inc. at 732-363-5400 for more information.

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services provides a statewide PPD help line at 1-800-328-3838 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions about PPD and available resources, as well as a comprehensive informational Web site at www.njspeakup.gov.

Adam Dvorin New Jersey Department

of Health and Senior Services

Newark