Helping Mothers Have Healthy Babies

Program Overview

Mental Health Services are provided for Healthy Start clients on an individual, family, and group therapeutic basis. The service is facilitated by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Certified (LCSWC) and includes direct counseling, required documentation, making and following up on outside referrals, and reviewing cases with appropriate case management staff.

The counselor is available in the Center every Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, for scheduled individual appointments and referrals. On occasion, and at the discretion of the counselor and/or case manager, clients are seen on a walk-in basis.

What is Depression?

Depression is a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity.

Postpartum depression is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral changes that occur in a mother after giving birth. It is a serious condition, affecting 10% of new mothers. Symptoms range from mild to severe depression and may appear within days of delivery or gradually, perhaps up to a year later. Symptoms may last from a few weeks to a year.

Pregnant women who are experiencing depression may think their symptoms are just a normal part of pregnancy. But in fact, the following signs may indicate depression: two or more weeks of depressed mood, decreased interest or pleasure in activities, change in appetite, change in sleep patterns, fatigue or loss of energy, difficulty concentrating, excessive feelings of worthlessness or guilt, thoughts of suicide, extreme restlessness and irritability.

Severe depression during pregnancy can interfere with women's ability to eat properly, get enough rest, or receive prenatal care - all of which may contribute to premature and low birth-weight infants. Even mild depression during pregnancy can put a woman at risk of more severe post-partum depression, which can interfere with her ability to care for her newborn and herself. Pregnant women who are experiencing possible signs of depression, or who have a history of depression, should talk to their doctors or midwives immediately. Medications, talk therapy, stress reduction, exercise and other steps can help ease depression safely during pregnancy and beyond.

Depression During Pregnancy

Why am I depressed?

Depression can be confusing for women when it occurs during pregnancy. They can't figure out why they feel bad during a time when they should feel good. However, up to 10% of women will experience depression during pregnancy. The most likely women to have depression during pregnancy have a personal or family history of depression. Pregnancy does not cause depressive symptoms to be more severe.

What are the symptoms of depression during pregnancy?

The symptoms of depression during pregnancy are: two or more weeks of depressed mood, decreased interest or pleasure in activities, change in appetite, change in sleep patterns, fatigue or loss of energy, difficulty concentrating, excessive feeling of guilt or worthlessness, thoughts of suicide, extreme restlessness and irritability. Symptoms may be ignored or misdiagnosed because they are confused with symptoms of pregnancy. The more common ones include changes in appetite, sleep or energy. Many women suffer needlessly because they do not ask for help. When depression is severe, women may not eat properly, get adequate rest, or receive prenatal care. These factors may contribute to premature and low birth-weight infants.

What can I do about depression during pregnancy?

Fortunately, depression is treatable. Believing one's condition is "incurable" is part of the hopelessness that accompanies depression. This way of thinking is a symptom of depression and will improve with treatment. Treating depression is just as important as treating any other health concern during pregnancy. Without treatment, the depression can get worse or be harmful to the baby or mother. Studies also show that postpartum depression is more likely to occur if depression during pregnancy goes untreated. Therefore, it is important to get help while you are pregnant. There are many treatment options available to help depression.

Postpartum Depression

The postpartum period is a time of extreme vulnerability to depression. Up to eighty percent of women experience a phenomenon called the "postpartum blues." This is a brief period during which women are tearful or extremely sensitive and may be more moody. Sometimes sleep is a problem. The "blues" usually resolve without treatment within 1 to 2 weeks of giving birth.

About twelve to fifteen percent of women develop postpartum depression. This involves more significant symptoms of depression which women begin to experience within a few days of giving birth, and may continue to experience for weeks or months following delivery. Rapidly changing hormones seem to play a role in sensitizing women to depression. The psychological changes involved in parenting a new infant, the physical stress of the birth, and lack of sleep may also play a role. Rarely, depression can progress to the point where women develop confused and disorganized thinking about themselves or the baby, hallucinate, or even consider suicide. Suicide or even infant homicide are the most catastrophic results when this disorder is not properly identified. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your health care provider immediately.

Women who are most vulnerable to postpartum depression usually have a personal or family history of depression. Studies show that most women who experience major depression after childbirth have had prior episodes of depression even though they may not have been diagnosed or treated. Those with prior episodes of postpartum depression will experience a recurrence following the next delivery about half of the time. Single women, those in unsupportive relationships, and women with multiple children also may be more at risk.

What can I do about postpartum depression?

Fortunately, depression is treatable. Believing one's condition is "incurable" is part of the hopelessness that accompanies depression. This way of thinking is a symptom of depression and will improve with treatment. There are many treatment options available.