Assistance available for perinatal issues

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services wants residents to know that help is available for women in Middlesex County who are suffering with perinatal mood disorders (PMD).

Most new mothers (up to 80 percent) experience at least a brief episode of the "baby blues" — feelings of sadness, anxiety, loneliness or moodiness — within the first few days of giving birth. After a few weeks these symptoms typically disappear. When symptoms persist or deepen in intensity, however, they may be signs of postpartum depression or another perinatal mood disorder such as anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorders and postpartum depression. The depression may be mild, moderate or severe.

PMD are serious but treatable. Having PMD does not mean anything is wrong with a woman's ability to be a mother.

PMD affect one in every 8-10 women. Any woman who has recently had a baby, ended a pregnancy, or who has stopped breastfeeding can be affected. The disorders usually occur within the first year after childbirth, miscarriage or stillbirth, but the signs of depression can also appear earlier — when a woman is pregnant or even planning to become pregnant.

While the exact cause is unknown, contributing factors may be biological, psychological or hormonal. Family members can play an important role by recognizing the warning signs of perinatal mood disorders, helping the woman seek help and providing support. The warning signs, which are different for everyone, may include: • trouble sleeping or sleeping too much; • changes in appetite; • feeling irritable, angry or nervous; • feeling exhausted; • not enjoying life as much as in the past • lack of interest in the baby; • lack of interest in friends and family; • lack of interest in sex; • feeling guilty or worthless; • feeling hopeless; • crying uncontrollably; • feelings of being a bad mother;

• trouble concentrating;

• hypervigilance (extreme concern about the baby's care and/or health);

• low energy;

• thoughts of harming the baby or herself.

PMD cause distress and adversely affect daily functioning and personal relationships. If left untreated, they can have long-term adverse effects on the woman and baby. Fortunately, the disorders, even the most severe cases, are highly treatable, but as with many illnesses, the earlier treatment can begin, the more effective it is. A woman's obstetrician/ gynecologist (OB/GYN), family physician and pediatrician can all be effective starting points for assessment and referral for treatment.

Women affected by PMD have numerous resources available to them. Individuals may call the Central New Jersey Maternal/Child Health Consortium at 609-394-7455 for more information.

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services provides a statewide PMD helpline at 800-328-3838, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions and provide information on available resources. A comprehensive informational website may be accessed at www.njspeakup. gov.