Some Basics...

• Postpartum "Blues": Nearly half of all women feel sad or depressed after delivery. This is called "Baby Blues." Baby Blues most often start between 3-10 days after having a baby. They last 2-14 days. Healthy living habits can help a woman feel better. These include eating healthy, sleeping more, and getting support from family and friends. Sometimes, the problems get worse. If this happens, psychiatric help is needed.
• Postpartum Depression: This is a major depression that 10-15% of women have after delivery. It most often begins during the first month after having a baby. But it may begin at any time during the 1-2 years after delivery. Women with postpartum depression can be treated. Psychiatric help, support services, and antidepressant drugs can help a woman to recover.

Symptoms

People with depression have a sad mood. They often describe decreased joy from or interest in daily activities. They have less energy. Sometimes people may have one or more of these:

• Major weight loss (or gain) and not dieting
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping a lot
• Easily upset
• Mental slowness
• Loss of energy
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Not able to focus
• Thoughts of death or about hurting oneself
• Anxiety

Treatment

• It can be treated with counseling or with medications. Sometimes both are needed.
• Healthy living habits can make a person feel better. These include eating healthy and regular sleep. Exercise is also helpful.

1. What You Should Know:
   • Nearly half of all women feel sad or depressed after delivery. This is called "Baby Blues."
   • Women with Baby Blues do get better. Even women who feel as bad as you feel now. You can be helped.
   • Healthy living habits can help you to feel better.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
     
2. Tips for Healthy Living: There are things you can do to feel better. These include:
   • Eat healthy: Eat a well-balanced diet. Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
   • Get more sleep: Try to take naps while the baby is sleeping. Ask for help from friends, family, or your community. If someone comes over to help, then you can take a longer nap. Have the baby sleep in a different room. This will help you sleep more soundly.
   • Communicate: Share how you are feeling with someone. Make sure that your husband, family, or friends know how you are feeling.
   • Exercise: Take a daily walk.
   • Stay active: Spend time outside of your home. Go on an outing with a family member or a friend. Go to the store. Go to a movie.
   • Avoid alcohol.
3. What to Expect: Most of the time, Baby Blues will last 2-14 days.
4. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Sadness or depression lasts more than 2 weeks
   • You want to talk with a mental health worker, psychiatrist, or counselor
   • You feel like harming yourself
   • You get worse

1. United States Hotline and Helplines - NAMI Information HelpLine:
   • National Alliance on Mental Illness
   • The NAMI HelpLine is a source for finding community mental health programs. National toll-free phone number: 800-950-NAMI (6264). You can call this number Monday through Friday from 10 am- 6 pm (Eastern Time).
   • http://www.nami.org
2. United States - Substance Abuse Treatment:
   • Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
   • http://www.samhsa.gov/
   • National referral hotline for substance abuse treatment: 800-662-4357 (24 hours a day)
3. United States - Mood Disorders Organizations:
   • Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA)
   • There is a FIND A THERAPIST link on the home page.
   • http://www.adaa.org/
   • Telephone: 240-485-1001
4. Canada Hotlines and Helplines:
   • New Brunswick: Offered by region
   • Northwest Territories - Nats'ejée K'éh Treatment Centre crisis line: 800-661-0846
   • Ontario - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): 800-463-6273
5. Canada - Mood Disorder Organizations:
   • Ontario - Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (MDAO) - 888-486-8236
   • http://www.mooddisorders.on.ca/