Perinatal Depression Coalition

The Perinatal Depression Coalition was created one year ago to reduce Perinatal Depression in the Mid-Shore area. Its objective is to raise awareness of the importance of PPD screening and to ensure that each mother receives information on screening awareness and resources for professional help if needed. PPD clearly affects close to 15% of mothers and the mental health of the children whose mothers suffer from the illness. Recent research indicates the negative outcomes on children whose mothers are depressed, even though the children may not carry a gene for depression. A newborn child is at high risk of developing emotional, behavioral, and cognitive problems.

The coalition has directed its efforts toward awareness and education programs for physicians, pediatricians, social workers, and nurses. Meeting bi-monthly, the coalition provides educational brochures containing awareness screening tests to all mothers giving birth, information on peer support groups, and the listing of local psychologists available for counseling. Plans are underway to expand awareness programs for physicians in the Mid-Shore area and to help establish universal screening for mothers one month after giving birth. As peer support groups offer effective continual help to mothers who suffer from PPD, the Coalition is opening the door to establishing a PPD Support Group. Children whose mothers have depression are less likely to develop either depression or anxiety disorders if their mothers receive timely effective treatment of depression. Although the development of depression has a strong genetic component, researchers note that it often takes an environmental influence to trigger the onset of a disorder. Only 15 % of mothers with depression are treated, so more work needs to be done to raise awareness and overcome the stigma associated with PPD.

To learn more about the Perinatal Depression Coalition or if you would like to obtain an information packet about PPD contact us at 410-822-0444.