Disease Areas

Postpartum Depression

Depression and Postpartum Depression

Depression is a debilitating illness that is one of the leading contributors to disability worldwide1 and the second leading cause of disability in the U.S.2 Postpartum depression symptoms are estimated to affect approximately one in eight women who have given birth in the U.S.3

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal mortality4 with PPD among the most common complications during and after pregnancy.5

Too often people living with postpartum depression ignore or hide symptoms due to stigma, shame or fear. In many cases, symptoms are dismissed as the “baby blues” which are common feelings of sadness due to hormonal changes that usually resolve within the first two weeks after giving birth.6

Our Approach

We are committed to advancing innovative research on the pathophysiology of mental health conditions.

In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 500,000 women annually are affected by postpartum depression.5 We are working to advance screening and treatment rates for postpartum depression and pioneer much-needed solutions to improve mental health outcomes.

Innovative Research

We are focused on revolutionizing the care of postpartum depression and exploring opportunities where great unmet need remains to change how mental health conditions are treated. As we work to develop new approaches to depression, we also aim to address the social stigmas of mental illness by working with the community through dialogue, raising awareness and creating understanding.

Postpartum depression: Caitlin's story

After Caitlin had her first baby, she thought the experience she was having was the “normal baby blues.” She felt overwhelmed and disconnected from her son and didn’t understand why. 

Resources for People Living With Depression and Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Support International provides resources to help families, providers and communities learn about the emotional and mental health of childbearing families.

Resources | Postpartum Support International (PSI)

National Alliance on Mental Illness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness support groups offer the opportunity to share experiences and gain support from others affected by mental health conditions like depression (for U.S. residents). Learn more and find a support group near you.

Support Groups | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Mental Health America

Mental Health America promotes mental health as a critical part of overall wellness. The organization works to address mental health and mental illness through advocacy, education, research and services.

Finding Help | Mental Health America

Facts and Figures

500k

In the United States, an estimated 1 in 8 mothers experience symptoms of postpartum depression, which equates to approximately 500,000 cases annually.5

50%

Approximately half of all PPD cases may go undiagnosed without appropriate screening. 7,8

 

 

 

280m

Depression affects approximately 280 million people worldwide — impacting both lives and livelihoods.9

 

 

 

References
  1. GBD 2017 Disease and Injury Incidence and Prevalence Collaborators. Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 354 diseases and injuries for 195 countries and territories, 1990-2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Lancet. 2018;392(10159):1789-1858.
  2. US Burden of Disease Collaborators, et al. The state of US health, 1990-2016: burden of diseases, injuries, and risk factors among US states. JAMA. 2018;319(14):1444-1472.
  3. “ACOG Committee Opinion No. 757: Screening for Perinatal Depression.” Obstetrics and gynecology vol. 132,5 (2018): e208-e212. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002927
  4. CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p0919-pregnancy-related-deaths.html
  5. Bauman BL, et al. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 2020;69(19):575-581
  6. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/postpartum-depression
  7. Georgiopoulos AM et al. J Fam Pract. 2001;50(2):117-122.
  8. Evins GG et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2000;182(5):1080-1082
  9. WHO, “Depression”, 2021. – reference for 280 million