Postpartum depression (PPD) is experienced by one in eight women, and the holiday season can be that much more difficult for mothers experiencing PPD. Marked by more intense feelings of sadness, despair, anxiety, and irritability, PPD causes mothers to experience exacerbated feelings of inadequacy or isolation. DePaul Community Health Centers has services to support women who display symptoms of postpartum depression.
Black women are one of the most under-treated groups for depression in the United States. Single Black mothers are six times more likely than the general population to experience depressive symptoms. Black and Indigenous women are two-to-three times more likely to experience maternal mental health symptoms, yet less likely to receive care.
The holiday season tends to add stress and expectations which create or add to depressive symptoms. Research has shown that those who suffer from mental health issues are more symptomatic during the holidays. The holiday season can trigger old symptoms and repeated behavioral habits. DePaul recommends that mothers, especially those that have recently given birth, consider engaging in extra self-care which can include additional sleep and exercise, social supports, mental health support, or medication.
For more information on resources, log on to depaulcommunityhealthcenters.org or call (504) 207-3060. Additionally, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau has created a national toll-free maternal mental health hotline with 24-7 help available (1-833-TLC-MAMA).