Postpartum Depression / Anxiety Support Group

You're Not Alone

About 75 to 80 percent of women experience "baby blues".  Feelings of irritability, crying more than usual, increased worry and lack of energy are common symptoms.  These symptoms may begin two to three days after birth and usual subside within one to two weeks.  About 10 to 20 percent of women who give birth develop postpartum depression.  Symptoms include intense feelings of sadness, anxiety and despair that do not go away in a couple of weeks.  Rather, these feelings increase with each week, and may last as long as a year.

One in 1000 women develop a severe case known as postpartum psychosis.  Symptoms include a refusal to eat, inability to stop an activity, frantic excessive energy, bizarre hallucinations, suspiciousness and irrational statements.  Immediate medical assistance is needed when these symptoms take place.

Postpartum depression can take place any time in the first year after birth or weaning from breastfeeding.

Symptoms

• Baby blues that do not go away after two weeks
• Feelings of sadness, doubt, guilt, hopelessness or helplessness
• Difficulty caring for yourself or your baby
• Trouble sleeping or oversleeping even when the baby is awake
• Changes in appetite
• Loss of interest in things that used to be fun
• Being overly concerned or worried about the baby, or lack of interest in the baby
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Fear of harming the baby
• Thoughts of self harm, including suicide

Finding Ways to Feel Better

The first step is to talk to your physician about your feelings.  He/she will choose a treatment that is right for you.

Many women find that simply talking to other women experiencing the same feelings can often make this transitional time more manageable.

The WIN Support Group offers needed support as well as education about the condition and its effect on the entire family.

Group Details

The group meets every Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:30 am at TriCity Family Services.  It is co-facilitated by a psychotherapist from the Agency and a NewLife Maternity Nurse.

Attendance is free, however, pre-registration is encouraged before attending your first session. 

Comments from recent Customer Surveys:

In response to the question, "In what ways has this group been helpful for you?", responses included:

• "Consistent nurturing professional care.  A non-judgmental environment to share with.  Professional information, methods and techniques."
• "It has been extremely helpful by providing support from other women and listening to their stories."

In response to the question, "What has/have the group facilitator(s) done that has been helpful for the group?", responses included:

• "Listening; providing...valuable information; recommending outside resources."

Additional comments included:

• "This group is a lifesaver!"
• "Wonderful group.  Thank you so much for the group.  It has been a lifesaver and has made a tremendous positive difference for me.  I cannot recommend the group highly enough.  It is truly empowering!"