Counseling, Mental Health & Psychiatry

Postpartum depression
The wonder of a new baby is not always happy. Some moms are unable to enjoy their new baby because of depression. The blues after giving birth may be normal but only for a few days. Feeling depressed for more than a few days may signal a serious problem.

Symptoms of postpartum depression may include feeling:

• sad, depressed, hopeless
• tired and irritable
• overly worried about your baby
• guilty and having low self-esteem
• anxious and/or panicky

You are not alone
Many new mothers experience these symptoms after delivery. Typically, they go away within weeks and treatment is not usually necessary. However, if these symptoms last for several weeks after delivery, it is called postpartum depression. Ten to fifteen percent of new mothers experience postpartum depression.

Facts about postpartum depression

• One in ten moms becomes depressed during the first six months following the birth of their child. For teenage moms, two in ten become depressed.
• Most moms who become depressed do so within two months of the birth of their child. Often, new moms are depressed for six months before they receive treatment.
• Frequently, new moms suffer alone.
• Depression does not just affect the mother. It affects her entire family...the baby, any other children in the home, and her husband.
• If moms do not receive treatment for their depression, there is a strong chance that they may remain depressed for as long as a year.

The good news is that postpartum depression is treatable. Geisinger offers treatment to help new moms get through this temporary illness. Early detection is essential. Evaluation during regular checkups can identify women who may become seriously depressed.