Postpartum Depression Help Offered in Gloucester County

As part of a statewide program to help women who are experiencing perinatal depression, 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 in Gloucester County.

The program is aimed at new mothers who may be experiencing signs of depression without even knowing it, or may not have time to research symptoms.

The small tear-off cards are being distributed in locations new mothers might frequent most: supermarkets, community centers, day cares and churches. Locally, the cards are being distributed in Deptford, Harrison Township, Gibbstown and Glassboro.

The Speak Up When You’re Down 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 website at 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 health care 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 njspeakup.gov or call 1-800-328-3838 for additional information and services.

Gloucester County locations include:

• Education Partners Early Learning Academy, 20 Cobblestone Ln., Deptford
• Building Block Day Care and Preschool, 401 Harmony Rd., Suite 15, Gibbstown
• Gibbstown School and Day Care Center, 224 Broad St., Gibbstown
• Repauno Preschool and Daycare Center, 171 N. Repauno Ave., Gibbstown
• Glassboro Child Development Center, 31 S. Main Street, Gibbstown
• Glassboro Head Start Center, 35 Sewell St., Glassboro
• Rowan University Childcare Center, 201 Mullica Hill Rd., Glassboro
• Richwood Preschool, 325 Ewan Rd., Harrison Township
• Janvier Presbyterian Preschool and Daycare, 1775 Stanton Ave., Franklinville
• Little Tots Preschool, LLC, 2432 Tuckahoe Rd., Franklinville