Myth:
Age, education, culture and socioeconomic status determine a woman’s chances of perinatal depression.
Fact:
Perinatal depression and anxiety can occur during pregnancy and up to the first year after the birth or adoption of a baby.
It can happen to ANY WOMAN!
Myths:
- Pregnancy reduces the risk of depression in women.
- Having perinatal depression means that a woman is weak and a bad mother.
Facts:
- Perinatal depression can be treated successfully.
- Perinatal depression often goes undiagnosed because many of the discomforts during pregnancy and after childbirth are similar to the signs and symptoms of depression.
- Feeling low or sad after having a new baby can be due to the mother’s body adjusting to childbirth.