About Postpartum Depression (PPD) | NJ Department of Health and Senior Services

About PMD

Perinatal mood disorders (PMD) are treatable, but many people do not know the facts. They wait too long to get help, or never seek treatment.

PMD is serious. Feelings of depression or sadness may cause a new mom to feel confused and alone. By learning to recognize and understand PMD, a woman can seek support from her family and get medical help. Husbands, partners, friends and family members can help in the process. Often, they recognize there is a problem even before the woman herself.

Perinatal mood disorders affect one in every 8 to 10 women. They usually occur within the first year after childbirth, miscarriage or stillbirth. PMD is not a character flaw or sign of personal weakness. It does not mean that there is anything wrong with your ability to be a mother. The symptoms of PMD range from mild blues to severe depression. The depression may be mild, moderate, or severe.

What Causes PMD?

The exact cause of perinatal mood disorders are unknown. Here are some factors that may contribute:

Changes in hormone levels
A difficult pregnancy
A difficult birth
Medical problems (mother or baby)
Lack of sleep
Feeling alone
Loss of freedom
Sudden changes in routines
Personal or family history of depression
Prior experience with PMD
High levels of stress

Who Is at Risk?

PMD can affect any woman who:

Is pregnant
Has recently had a baby
Has ended a pregnancy or miscarried
Has stopped breast-feeding

Women of any age, race, or economic background may be at risk.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms may appear during pregnancy, after birth, or within the first year of motherhood. Common symptoms are:

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
Low energy
Thoughts of harming the baby or harming herself

Most women experience a brief period of blues after having a baby. Very few women experience extreme symptoms.

About PMD

What Causes PMD?

Who Is at Risk?

What Are the Symptoms?

Perinatal mood disorders are treatable. But first you have to ask for help.

call the helpline 24/7 at

1-800-328-3838

Department of Health and Senior Services P. O. Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360 Phone: (609) 292-7837 Toll-free in NJ: 1-800-367-6543 Our Locations
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