This year, more than 1.3 million expectant and new mothers will experience postpartum depression, which is triggered by hormonal and chemical changes in the new mother's body and brain.
Postpartum depression is a major public health problem, which not only adversely affects the well-being of mothers, but also the well-being of their children and families.
What's the difference between postpartum and the "baby blues"?
The baby blues, which consists of mild mood swings, affect 80 percent of new mothers and occur in the first weeks after birth. They are considered normal and not a mood disorder.
What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?
Symptoms include feeling sad, worrying or feeling overly anxious, oversleeping or unable to go to sleep, having trouble concentrating, experiencing anger or rage, loss of interest in activities that are usually enjoyable, eating too little or too much, withdrawing from friends and family, having trouble bonding or forming an emotional attachment with your baby, doubting your ability to take care for your baby, and thinking about harming yourself and your baby.
How can you encourage someone who has postpartum depression to get help?
Listen in as Dr. Shoshana Bennett (Dr. Shosh) shares the symptoms of postpartum depression, how it differs from the baby blues, and the treatment options available.
Postpartum Depression vs. Baby Blues: What's the Difference?
Did you know that postpartum depression is the most common complication of childbirth?
Additional Info
- Segment Number: 1
- Audio File: ER_101/1532er5a.mp3
- Featured Speaker: Shoshana Bennett, PhD
- Book Title: Beyond the Blues: A Guide to Understanding And Treating Prenatal And Postpartum Depression
- Guest Website: Dr. Shosh
-
Guest Bio:
Dr. Shoshana Bennett (or "Dr. Shosh" as she is referred to by her clients) is a clinical psychologist and one of the nation's foremost experts on postpartum depression (PPD) and related perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
A popular guest lecturer and keynote speaker, she is the author of Postpartum Depression for Dummies, Pregnant on Prozac, Children of the Depressed, and co-author of Beyond the Blues: Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety. She is also Executive Producer of the new documentary Dark Side of the Full Moon, the first documentary to expose the barriers women face in getting treatment for perinatal mental illness. - Length (mins): 10
- Waiver Received: No
- Host: Leigh Vinocur, MD
Published in
The Dr. Leigh Vinocur Show
Tagged under