Email  Print

Speak up when you're down

Editor, Index-Tribune:

On April 26, the Board of Supervisors approved a resolution declaring May as "Perinatal Depression Awareness Month" in Sonoma County.

Perinatal depression occurs before and after childbirth, and is the number one complication of pregnancy. More than 15 percent of new moms experience depression or anxiety, and often are unaware of their condition or unable to seek help due to fear of stigma.

Junior League of Napa-Sonoma launched the "Speak Up When You're Down" campaign to increase outreach and expand awareness around perinatal depression. Bilingual materials can be found in physicians' offices, health clinics, libraries and community centers throughout the county.

We encourage everyone, men included, to become educated on this condition so that mothers, infants, and families do not suffer needlessly through this disease. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical, but that cannot happen unless women and their family, friends and clinicians know the signs and symptoms of perinatal depression. 

We continue to work with the Sonoma County Perinatal Mental Health Partnership to establish a universal screening tool to diagnose and treat perinatal depression in expecting or new mothers.

If you or someone you love may be suffering from a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, please call 591-0170, or visit speakupwhenyouredown.com.

Patti Bradley

Junior Delegate, State Public Affairs Committee,

Junior League of Napa-Sonoma

Sonoma