In Orlando, new mother Jenna Carberg experienced a disconnect with her newborn daughter, leading to a diagnosis of postpartum depression. This condition, affecting many new mothers, has seen a significant rise in recent years. A study published in 2024 by JAMA Network Open reported that U.S. rates of postpartum depression more than doubled from 9.4% in 2010 to 19% in 2021, partly due to better screening and diagnosis.
Recognizing the Signs
Postpartum depression can be challenging to distinguish from the more common ‘baby blues,’ which affects about 80% of new mothers. While baby blues involve mild emotional changes, postpartum depression includes severe symptoms such as intense despair, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness. These symptoms can interfere with a mother’s ability to care for herself and her baby, increasing the risk of suicide.
Dr. Tiffany Moore Simas from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School emphasizes the importance of recognizing and treating postpartum depression. Untreated, it can hinder mother-child bonding and care.
Treatment and Support
Effective treatments for postpartum depression include medications like antidepressants and the newly approved pill Zurzuvae, as well as talk therapy. Support from family and friends, along with sufficient sleep, also play crucial roles in recovery.
Jenna Carberg found relief through medication, stating, “I felt like myself again.” To support others, she and her husband Chris founded an online resource, postpartumdepression.org, to connect patients with professional help.
Dr. Kerry Hudson, an OB-GYN in Rhode Island, advises persistence in seeking help. She shares her own experience with postpartum depression, which was initially dismissed by her doctor. With therapy and medication, she successfully overcame the condition and had a second child.
For those experiencing symptoms, reaching out to an OB-GYN, primary care doctor, or mental health provider is crucial. As Dr. Hudson notes, “You don’t have to suffer in silence.”
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
