State Wide Campaign About Maternal

Perinatal/Post Partum Depression Launched

HARTFORD — The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), in collaboration with Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Yale University, New Haven Health Department, and the United Way of Connecticut, announces the launch of a campaign designed to educate the community about perinatal depression, also known as “maternal depression” or “baby blues.”

The educational campaign includes a series of statewide television and radio public service announcements, billboards, posters, movie slides, and bus boards providing information on perinatal depression, and promoting 211 InfoLine as a resource for those who are seeking information and community based resources.

“About ten to 20 percent of women in Connecticut experience some form of maternal depression,” said DPH Deputy Commissioner Norma Gyle, RN, PhD. “This type of depression can affect any woman, anytime during and after her pregnancy. Mothers need to know that this depression is temporary, that they are not alone, and that help is available.”

Perinatal depression occurs in women either during pregnancy or within the first 12 months following delivery. It is marked by major or minor depressive episodes. These episodes are marked by one or more of the following symptoms: loss of energy or restlessness, feelings of sadness or tearfulness, hopelessness, loss or anger, increased or decreased appetite, mood swings, and thoughts of harming oneself or one’s baby.

Any member of a woman’s health care team, including her ob/gyn and her primary care provider, can diagnose perinatal depression, and recommend treatment. Family and friends are encouraged to become more aware of these symptoms and urge women to seek help.

“Women need not feel embarrassed, or sense they are unfit for motherhood. Speak up and get the help you need. It benefits you, your child, and your family,” Dr Gyle said.