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Depression, anxiety in new moms common and treatable

Brookfield Suburban Life (IL) - 7/22/2016

A t some point between becoming pregnant and her baby's first birthday, almost one in five women will struggle with significant anxiety or depression. This class of conditions, called perinatal mood or anxiety disorders (PMAD), is the most frequent complication of childbirth. To some degree, weepiness and anxiety will visit as many as 80 percent of women during pregnancy and new motherhood, thanks to hormonal changes and sleep deprivation, among other factors. But it's time to get help if these feelings last more than two weeks or are so strong it's difficult to function. Many factors can put a woman at risk for PMAD, such as previous loss of a baby, unplanned pregnancy, diabetes, marital problems, history of mood and anxiety disorders, or a traumatic childbirth. PMAD can happen to any woman who's pregnant or just had a baby, but for many, it's their first pregnancy and they have no risk factors or history of mental health conditions. Common PMAD symptoms include: ? Crying most of the time ? Sadness in spite of wanting to be happy ? Excessive irritability ? Excessive worry, even panic attacks ? Trouble concentrating or remembering ? Intrusive thoughts, such as repeated, upsetting thoughts regarding the baby ? Appetite problems ? Inability to sleep and rest even when the child is sleeping Hospitals, obstetricians and pediatricians incorporate anxiety and depression screening, which is required by Illinois state law, into the care of their OB patients. This can result in early detection and faster, more effective treatment. In a typical PMAD program, patients are screened for anxiety and depression before and shortly after the birth of their baby(ies) and new moms receive a follow-up screening call at home from a nurse in the week after they leave the hospital. Women who are determined to be at risk are offered an assessment by a mental health professional. Support groups and a hot line are also available. There are things new moms can to DO help ease PMAD: ? Allow yourself time to adjust to your new life. ? Ask for help with daily activities. ? Keep visits short with friends and family if you're feeling overwhelmed. ? Get as much rest as possible. ? Get out of the house whenever you have a chance. ? Get together with other new moms. ? Spend some time alone. ? Make time for moderate aerobic exercise, like walking. For more information, visit www.eehealth.org/services/pregnancy-baby and www.eehealth.org/services/behavioral-health. Edward Hospital, Elmhurst Hospital and Linden Oaks Behavioral Health offer a Mom's Line, (630) 527-7294, dedicated to women, or anyone concerned about a woman, who may be experiencing signs or symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety. Messages on the line are checked daily and calls are returned within 24 hours. In addition, there is a Nurturing Mom support group for women experiencing postpartum depression and anxiety. And, Daddy Boot Camp offers expectant fathers lessons in comforting the baby, changing a diaper, swaddling, care for new moms and more. Groups meet at Edward and Elmhurst Hospitals. For information, call (630) 527-6363 or visit www.eehealth.org/classes-events. Fatima Ali, MD is a psychiatrist with DuPage Mental Health Services and Medical Director of Women's Services at Linden Oaks Behavioral Health.