Montgomery County Health Officer Urges New Parents and Others to Learn About Postpartum Depression and Seek Help

For Immediate Release: Friday, December 13, 2024

Montgomery County Health Officer Dr. Kisha Davis urges new parents, individuals who are pregnant and their loved ones to learn the signs of postpartum depression and the less common postpartum psychosis. Postpartum depression is a serious yet treatable condition. Persons experiencing symptoms should seek help from their health care provider or mental health provider. Friends and family also can support their loved ones by encouraging them to seek help.

“Symptoms of depression after childbirth can vary and can range from mild to severe,” said Dr. Davis. “Every new parent and their loved ones should know what to look for and seek help as soon as possible.” 

The symptoms of postpartum depression may be mistaken for “baby blues” but they are more intense and last longer. They may interfere with one’s ability to care for a baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within a few weeks after giving birth but can begin earlier—during pregnancy or later—up to a year after birth.

Symptoms may include:

• Depressed mood or severe mood swings
• Frequent crying or tearfulness
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
• Inability to sleep, called insomnia or sleeping too much
• Overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy
• Less interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Intense irritability and anger
• Fear that you are not a good mother
• Hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Reduced ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
• Restlessness
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Fear of being alone with your baby
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious condition affecting approximately one or two out of every 1,000 women after giving birth. It is characterized by severe mood swings, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions and disorganized thinking. Postpartum depression and the more severe postpartum psychosis may both put the mother at risk of harming herself or the baby.

If you are feeling depressed after your baby’s birth, it is ok to ask for help. If you experience any signs or symptoms of baby blues or postpartum depression, call your primary care provider or your OB/GYN to talk about it. If you are worried about your loved one who is pregnant or has given birth, encourage them to do so or offer to make the call for them.

• If you or a loved one have symptoms that suggest possible postpartum psychosis, get help immediately. If you are experiencing these symptoms, seek assistance from your partner, loved ones or friends in taking care of your baby. Call 988, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 by telephone or text. Services are available in multiple languages.
• Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) by telephone or text, available 24/7. The hotline is a free and confidential hotline to help people who are pregnant or just had a baby. Services are available in English and Spanish.
• The Montgomery County Crisis Center is a 24/7 telephone and walk-in telephone mental health crisis service. The Center can be reached at 240-777-3000.

If you are concerned for a pregnant loved one or new parent, offer direct support in taking care of their baby.

The causes of postpartum depression and psychosis are not fully understood, but risk factors may include a history of mental illness, hormonal changes and physical changes. It is vital to recognize that these symptoms can profoundly impair judgment and understanding, leading to actions that are not reflective of the individual's character or morality.

For more information about postpartum psychosis and available resources, visit the National Institutes of Health National Child & Maternal Health program’s website. Resource material in English and Spanish is also available on the Postpartum Support International website.

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Release ID: 24-564
Media Contact: Mary Anderson 3015297669
Categories: Health