The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is distributing informational palm cards on the signs of postpartum depression (PPD) and other perinatal mood disorders to new locations throughout Salem County.
The small card is part of a statewide program to help women, who are experiencing perinatal depression, and their families find information and services.
The additional distribution is a direct response to the positive feedback from a pilot program launched in 2009.
Salem County locations include:
• Best Food in Town II, 1 N. Virginia Ave., Penns Grove
• Giovanni, 1 N. Virginia Ave., Penns Grove
• Walgreen’s, 2 N. Virginia Ave., Penns Grove
• Beauty Mart, 16 N Virginia Ave., Penns Grove
• Millennium Nails, 16 N. Virginia Ave., Penns Grove
• Rite Aid, 130 E Main Street, Penns Grove
• Metro PCS, 16 W. Virginia Ave., Penns Grove
The Speak Up When You’re Down palm card, available in both English and Spanish, lists signs of perinatal depression, which may include crying; feelings of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness; and lack of interest in family and friends.
The card also directs people who want help to the DHSS’ statewide Family Helpline (1-800-328-3838), which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions about perinatal mood disorders (PMDs) and available resources. The card also lists the comprehensive informational Web site at http://www.njspeakup.gov.
DHSS launched the “Speak Up When You’re Down” campaign in 2005 to encourage mothers experiencing symptoms of PPD to seek medical help and to reduce the social stigma associated with depression.
When the Postpartum Depression Screening bill was signed into law in 2006, the campaign expanded to assist healthcare providers in implementing the new law, and to educate women and family members about the benefits of screening.
New Jersey became the first state in the nation to require that health care professionals educate and screen all new mothers for PPD.
PPD can affect any woman who has recently had a baby, ended a pregnancy, miscarried, or who has stopped breast-feeding. One woman in eight will experience PPD. In New Jersey between 11,000 and 16,000 women suffer from PPD every year.
Talking about PPD and other perinatal mood disorders is the first step. If you or someone you know may be suffering from postpartum depression or other perinatal mood disorders, visit http://www.njspeakup.gov or call 1-800-328-3838 for additional information and services.
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By Today’s Sunbeam
New Jersey On-Line LLC