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Perinatal Depression Booklet (628KB)
For many mothers, the experience of pregnancy and
childbirth is often followed by sadness, fear, anxiety,
and difficulty making decisions. Many women have
difficulty finding the energy to care for themselves,
their infants, and their families. Some even have
feelings about harming themselves and their children.
If this sounds like you or someone
you know, there are two important things you should
know.
You are not alone.
Help is near.
Depression during or after pregnancy refers to
a broad range of physical and emotional struggles
that many women face. You may have heard this
called the “Baby Blues,” Postpartum
Depression, Maternal Depression, Prenatal Depression,
Postnatal Depression, or Perinatal Depression.
In this Web site, we will call it Perinatal Depression.
Perinatal Depression can be mild, moderate or
severe. It can occur during pregnancy or within
a year after the end of your pregnancy. Without
treatment, symptoms may last a few weeks, months,
or even years. In rare cases, the symptoms are
severe and indicate potential danger to the mother
and baby. In all cases, help is available.
Did things change after you became pregnant? Are
things different than you expected as a new mother? Are
you tired, anxious, sad, and confused? This Web site will
begin to explain the possible causes for your feelings—and
more importantly— how to find the help you need
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I have trouble eating and
sleeping. I feel lonely, sad,
and don’t have the energy
to get things done. Sometimes
I don’t even want to hold
my baby. If this is supposed to
be the happiest time of my life,
why does everything feel so wrong?
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