Depression Test and Information

Only a trained health care or mental health professional can diagnose depression in pregnancy or postpartum. However, the following checklist can help you know whether you have some of the common symptoms.

Check the box if the statement sounds familiar to you.
During the past week:
___ I have been unable to laugh and see the funny side of things.
___ I have not looked forward to things I usually enjoy.
___ I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong.
___ I have been nervous or worried for no good reason.
___ I have felt scared or panicky for no good reason.
___ I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping.
___ I have felt sad or miserable.
___ I have been so unhappy that I have been crying.
___Things have been getting on my nerves so much I've not been able to cope.
___The thought of harming myself, my baby, or others has occurred to me.

If you have more than one symptom you may be suffering from depression. You should discuss this with your healthcare professional. If you are contemplating hurting yourself or others, please seek help immediately at:

1-800-273-8255

If you have more than one symptom listed above, and do not have a healthcare professional with whom you can discuss these concerns, you may benefit from a private and confidential evaluation with D. Sheila Ward APRN, CNM, PMHNP. Call 502-458-8933 to schedule an appointment.

Depression during pregnancy and postpartum
Mother’s depression is a serious medical complication that can develop during pregnancy and during the first year postpartum. Without treatment and help, pregnancy-related and postpartum depression can be prolonged and disabling. Postpartum depression can also strike after miscarriage or stillbirth. Depression during pregnancy can lead to complications of pregnancy such as premature delivery or high blood pressure or a sick baby. Maternal depression can affect the child’s emotional and intellectual development. Treatment for depression can help to avoid these problems.

What are common symptoms?
Symptoms of depression include extreme tiredness, difficulty sleeping, feeling sad and crying, feeling nervous and irritable, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, problems with appetite, and difficulty thinking clearly. Some mothers have frightening thoughts that are uncontrollable. Most depressed mothers worry a lot, especially about being a "good enough" mother. Most mothers with postpartum depression do not have thoughts of intentionally harming her baby.

How is it treated?
Depression is best treated with counseling, medications, or a combination of the two. The following are also extremely important in a woman’s recovery:
Nutrition: 3 meals daily
Understanding: To understand what’s happening and to be understood by others.
Rest: At least 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep daily.
Spirituality: Something to look forward to, to lift your spirits, to comfort you now.
Exercise: Walk 30 minutes per day.

Are medications safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Psychiatric Association agree that pregnant women currently on medication for depression and are psychiatrically stable and prefer to stay on medication may be able to do so after consultation between their psychiatrist and ob-gyn to discuss risks and benefits. Most health experts agree that the benefit of continuing antidepressant medication while breastfeeding outweighs the risk of maternal depression.

Where do I go for help?
These are excellent resources for information:
PostpartumSupportKentuckiana.org
Postpartum.net
MedEdPPD.org
http://www.womensmentalhealth.org
PTSDafterchildbirth.org