From Blue to You

Postpartum Depression

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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

http://www.ppdsupportpage.com– Chat rooms

http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/188_15755.asp– Blogs

http://postpartumprogress.typepad.com– Websites

http://www.postpartum.net

http://www.depressionafterdelivery.com

• 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 http://www.aafp.org/afp/990415ap/990415e.html • Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) (2005). Depression During and

After Pregnancy http://www.4woman.gov/FAQ/postpartum.htm• Harms, R. (2008). Postpartum depression: How does it affect the baby? Retrieved

from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/AN01236• Jones, H. (2007). A brief introduction to perinatal mood disorders. Retrieved from

http://postpartum.net/resources/women-mothers/brief/• Mayo Clinic Staff (2008). Postpartum depression. Retrieved from

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/DS00546• NIMH (2008). The many dimensions of depression in women. Retrieved from

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-what-every-woman-should-know/the-many-dimensions-of-depression-in-women.shtml

• Postpartum Support International (2008). Tips for postpartum partners. Retrieved from http://postpartum.net/resources/families-partners/tips-for-postpartum-partners/

• Stone, K. (2008). Postpartum Progress. http://postpartumprogress.typepad.com/

Copyright © 2010 for materials developed by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. This publication may be reproduced in portions or its entirety for educational or nonprofit purposes only. Permitted users shall give credit to the author(s) and include this copyright notice. Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

Leigh Ann Simmons; MFT, PhDformer Assistant ProfessorDepartment of Family Studies

Ester Edwards, BSGraduate studentDepartment of Family Studies

Leslie Crofford, MDProfessor, College of Medicine

April 2010

Health Education through Extension Leadership The development of the HEEL program was made possible by Senator Mitch McConnell with funds earmarked for the University of Kentucky, College o f Agriculture, Lexington Ky. and budgeted through the CSREES/USDA Federal Administration.

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