Are You at Risk For PPA or PPD?

Recently I came across a blog about postpartum depression and distinguishing it from no
depression post-baby and the baby blues. While well-intentioned, I was dismayed to see how inaccurate the information was, as it not only combined postpartum depression with
postpartum anxiety (two VERY different issues) but also over-inflated the baby blues and short-changed the variety of postpartum depression symptoms that exist. So how do you know if you are at risk?

Postpartum mood disorders impact 1 in 8 new parents (for the non-pregnant parent, it tends to occur in 1 in 10 people). A perinatal mood disorder can be serious and even deadly if not treated. Fortunately, treatment is effective. A consultation with a trained mental health provider and/or psychiatrist that has specific training in reproductive health can reverse the symptoms and help you feel more like yourself.

To clear up any misconceptions, here is my chart:

Do you know where you fall on this chart?

You may also enjoy this other blog by DR Julie Bindeman.

Dr. Julie Bindeman is a reproductive psychologist and the co-founder of Integrative Therapy of Greater Washington.