First Of Its Kind Postpartum Depression Study

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First Of Its Kind Postpartum Depression Study

(September 20, 2006) - The first-ever study of postpartum depression in California parents is being released. An outburst by actor Tom Cruise brought the issue to the forefront.

Tammy Muser was in a happy marriage, excited about the birth of her first child. Then it hit.

Listen to our radio show on Postpartum Depression

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Are you suffering from the "baby blues?" For many women, the time after their child is born is a time of great despair and helplessness. Our guest suffered from severe postpartum depression. Suzanne told us what it was like and how she overcame it. Other callers shared their experiences with post-partum depression and postpartum psychosis. Dr. Kris outlined the symptoms and had helpful suggestions for overcoming self-defeating thoughts and reduced self-esteem as well as medical and therapy treatment options.

Tammy Muser, mother: "A good week after my son was born, I didn't think I would take my life, but I didn't want to be alive and it kept getting worse day by day by day."

It was postpartum depression. The symptoms can include loss of interest or pleasure in life, feeling worthless, hopeless or overly guilty, worrying about hurting your baby or yourself. Experts say it's a mental health illness, perhaps triggered by hormonal changes. It's different from the so-called baby blues.

Mary Hayashi, The Iris Alliance Fund: "If it goes beyond 10 days or a couple of weeks, it's a clinical depression and our survey shows many parents actually do suffer from depression."

The Iris Alliance Fund, a mental health organization, released results today of a first of its kind survey of 1,000 California parents. Researchers were startled to find more than half said either they, or someone they know, suffered from postpartum depression. Yet roughly one-third did not seek help.

Actor Tom Cruise slammed actress Brooke Shields for turning to anti-depressants, but experts we talked to say that's one successful treatment -- and there are others.

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Pec Indman, psychotherapist: "Support groups, specifically for moms having a rough time, are all really important helpful treatments."

That's what helped Tammy Muser who suffered again when her second child was born. She and the vast majority of parents in the new study support screening of all new mothers for depression during their baby's first year.

Sources: Standard University Press Release and KGO-TV

Last updated: 9/06

First Of Its Kind Postpartum Depression Study

Listen to our radio show on Postpartum Depression

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