Depression During Pregnancy & After Childbirth

It makes women feel helpless and hopeless, but it is treatable...
and help is easily available.

You're pregnant--or you've just had a baby--yet you feel sad instead of joyful! How can this be? Isn't having a baby supposed to be the happiest time in a woman's life?

If you are feeling sad, you are not alone. As many as 80% of women may experience extreme sadness or some type of mood disturbance during this period of their lives.

Pregnancy can be an especially stressful time--a time of anxious anticipation, frustration, or even fear. It can also be a time of strong hormonal fluctuations. Take time to learn more. Reach out for help by calling 337-436-9533.

What is depression?

Many of us think of "depression" as a feeling of sadness. However, depression can be much more than just a feeling or emotion.

Depression can include:

• sadness

• anxiety

• emptiness

• paranoia

• difficulty concentrating

• irritability

• trouble sleeping

• low energy

• mood swings

• loss of interest in favorite activities

• feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or worthlessness

When these feelings do not go away, they can interfere with day-to-day life. In some cases, depression causes a mother to feel that she can't provide good care for her infant.

Call The Counseling Center now to arrange a confidential, no-charge, no-obligation visit--and get the help you need to feel good again. 337-436-9533. Or email Cheryl or Kristen.

The Counseling Center of Family & Youth has entered into a community partnership with the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) Southwest Louisiana, the Louisiana Office of Mental Health and the Louisiana Office of Addictive Disorders to provide Southwest Louisiana women suffering from depression during and after pregnancy with the treatment and tools needed to regain their lives. The program is funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb.