Postpartum Depression: What Is It and How Can Family and Friends Help?

Authors

Latisha Tornabeni
Ty Aller, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Factsheet

Publisher

Utah State University Extension

Publication Date

6-25-2020

First Page

1

Last Page

3

Abstract

Peripartum depression, now called

postpartum depression (PPD), is an adjustment disorder manifesting symptoms throughout pregnancy or after childbirth. Women suffering from PPD often experience feelings of depression and fatigue, making it difficult to carry out daily activities (American Psychological Association, 2013). This condition should not be confused with the “baby blues,” which affects up to 80% of mothers and naturally subsides within a couple of weeks after childbirth (National Institute of Mental Health, 2013). Research shows that one in seven women experience PPD (Wishner et al., 2013). This fact sheet reviews how to work through the process of identifying, supporting, and responding to this temporary adjustment disorder in a proper manner.

Recommended Citation

Tornabeni, Latisha and Aller, Ty, "Postpartum Depression: What Is It and How Can Family and Friends Help?" (2020). All Current Publications. Paper 2113.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/extension_curall/2113