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The Family Mental Health Institute is dedicated
to combating the terrible epidemic of postpartum depression, or
what doctors sometimes call perinatal psychiatric disorders. We
know there are some 800,000 new cases in the U.S. every year, yet
most cases go undiagnosed. Even though the illness is highly treatable,
only 13% of affected women receive any treatment at all. Our vision
is to make depression screening for all new mothers and mothers-to-be
a standard of care in the United States.
The Family Mental Health Institute seeks to educate primary caregivers,
every woman who might have a baby and the public about PPD. We provide
education and educational materials for primary caregivers including
OB/GYNs, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, midwives, lactation
consultants and health educators. PPD is the single most serious
complication of pregnancy. Every new mother or mother-to-be should
know that there is at least a one-in-five chance that she will fall
victim to the illness. A simple screening test, called the Edinburgh
Postpartum Depression Scale determines her risk and can be given
throughout pregnancy and the first year after birth. It's simple-Get
screened-Get Treated-Get Well.
Solving the PPD problem is hampered by the intense shame and stigma
attached to an illness over which a woman has no control. PPD renders
a woman "not herself" though this is not her belief at
the time. Her thoughts can be paralyzing, terrifying, shameful,
sad and distance her from her baby and loved ones. She is afraid
of having her baby taken from her, being institutionalized or going
to jail. She can not reconcile her situation with the image of the
happy mother bonding with her baby. She fears confiding in her own
doctor. She feels no one will understand her.
Many of these women can be helped through peer support. Peer support is provided by mothers who have survived the illness. This experience enables a unique opportunity for communication. Through our outreach programs, particularly our toll-free numbers and website, we hope to remove the shame and fear that get in the way of effective treatment.
We invite you to join us in our quest to bring a happier tomorrow to the lives of women with PPD. You can help by giving an annual gift or donation to FMHI. Volunteer with our outreach program. Engage the support or interest of your employer, civic or religious group by inviting FMHI to make a presentation about PPD today.
Let's raise awareness together and give our moms and moms-to-be
a chance to get screened and get better.
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