This document discusses perinatal mood disorders, which are emotional changes that can occur before, during, or after pregnancy due to biological, personal, or social factors. Common symptoms include depression, anxiety, panic, guilt, difficulty sleeping or eating, and feeling overwhelmed by emotions. While 80% of women experience some sadness or "baby blues" after delivery, seeking help is recommended if symptoms last more than 2 weeks. Perinatal mood disorders can be difficult times but are actually quite common, affecting 1 in 5 women. Sufferers should talk to their doctor, nurse, or seek counseling or support groups. The document provides contact information for local resources.

1. Perinatal Mood Disorder
YOU ARE NOT ALONE

2. What is Perinatal Mood Disorder?
Emotional changes that occur before,
during or after pregnancy as a result of
biological, personal or social changes.

3. Symptoms
 Feelings may include depression, panic,
guilt and/or anxiety.
 Difficulty sleeping or eating
 Feeling overwhelmed by your emotions
 Some women may also have very strong
feelings of not being able to care for their
babies.

4. How Do You Feel?
 80% of women have some
feelings of sadness or
“baby blues”
 Ifyour symptoms last more
than 2 weeks you need to
talk to someone.

5. Don’t Be Ashamed
 This can be a difficult time for some
women.
 One in five women will experience
emotional changes before, during, or
after pregnancy
 Some women are ashamed to admit
their feelings

6. What to Do
 There is help
 Talk to your doctor or nurse.
 Individual or group counseling
 Parent support groups

7. Where to get help
 South Nassau Communities Hospital
Counseling Center 516-377-5400
 Mental Health Association of Nassau
County(516) 504-HELP (4357)
 The Zucker Hillside Hospital Perinatal
Psychiatry Service (718) 470-4MOM
(4666)

8. Where to get help
 NorthShore Child and Family Guidance
Center Diane Goldberg Maternal
Depression Program (516) 626-1917 ext.
318
Nassau County Perinatal Services Network
(516) 227-9456

9. Where to get help
 PostpartumResource Center of New
York Phone (Toll Free): (855) 631-0001
Website: www.postpartumny.org

10.  Remember that you are not alone
 If you are suffering with any of these
feelings or if you know a pregnant
woman or new mother who has any of
these symptoms, there is help.

11. References
 South Nassau Communities Hospital
Counseling Center
 North Shore Child & Family Guidance
Center
 Nassau County Department of Health