Community Health Network

• Feeling depressed
• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Decreased pleasure or interest in daily activities
• Postpartum (less than 1 year since delivery)

General Information

• Postpartum "Blues" - Nearly half of all women have some degree of depression ("baby blues") after delivery. Baby Blues usually starts between day 3 and day 10 after delivery and lasts 2-14 days. The symptoms often improve with simple measures such as eating healthy, sleeping more, and obtaining support from family and friends. Sometimes the symptoms worsen and psychiatric evaluation is required.
• Postpartum Depression - This term is used to describe the major depression that 10-15 % of women experience during the postpartum period. It usually begins during the first month after delivery. But it may occur anytime during the 1-2 years after delivery. Treatment may require community support services, psychiatric counseling, or antidepressant medications.

What are the Symptoms of Depression? - Individuals with depression have a sad mood. They often describe decreased pleasure or interest in daily activities. Sometimes individuals with depression may also have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Significant weight loss (or gain) and not dieting
• Inability to sleep (insomnia) or increased sleeping
• Agitation or mental slowness
• Loss of energy
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Diminished ability to concentrate
• Recurrent thoughts of death; suicidal ideation, gestures, or attempts
• Anxiety

Additional Resources

1. National Hopeline Network

• http://www.hopeline.com/
• National crisis hotline in the U.S. for suicide intervention: 800-784-2433.

2. Center for Substance Abuse Treatment

• http://www.samhsa.gov/
• National referral hotline in the U.S. for substance abuse treatment: 800-662-435

3. National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)

• http://www.nami.org
• Toll-free phone number: 800-950-6264
• “NAMI is dedicated to the eradication of mental illnesses and to the improvement of the quality of life of all whose lives are affected by these diseases… The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is a network of local support groups for the mentally ill and their families...”