Disease Areas

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms are estimated to affect approximately one in eight women who have given birth in the U.S.Women experiencing symptoms of PPD may have intense feelings of sadness or anxiety that make it difficult to do their daily tasks or to bond with their baby. These symptoms can start during pregnancy or after a woman gives birth.4,8

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal mortality2 with PPD among the most common complications during and after pregnancy.3

Too often women 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.4 Symptoms of PPD are more intense, can last longer, and can be serious if not treated. 

Our Approach

In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 500,000 women annually are affected by postpartum depression.3 We are working to advance screening and treatment rates for postpartum depression and pioneer much-needed solutions to improve maternal mental health outcomes.

Innovative Research

We are focused on revolutionizing the standard of care for women with postpartum depression and are exploring opportunities where great unmet need remains to change how maternal mental health conditions are treated. We also aim to address the social stigmas of postpartum depression 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 “baby blues.” She felt overwhelmed and disconnected from her son and didn’t understand why. 

Resources for Women With 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.

Postpartum Support International (PSI)

Shades of Blue Project

Shades of Blue Project is dedicated to helping women of color before, during, and after childbirth with community resources, mental health advocacy, treatment, and support. The organization also offers online support groups during and after pregnancy.

Shades of Blue Project

Mental Health America

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

Postpartum depression | Mental Health America

 

These are not all of the mental groups that support maternal mental health and postpartum depression.  

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.3

50%

Approximately half of all PPD cases may go undiagnosed without appropriate screening.5,6

 

 

 

2x

Rates of postpartum depression have increased significantly, doubling from 2010 to 2021. 7

 

 

 

References
 
  1. “ACOG Committee Opinion No. 757: Screening for Perinatal Depression.” Obstetrics and gynecology vol. 132,5 (2018): e208-e212. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002927
  2. CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/p0919-pregnancy-related-deaths.html
  3. Bauman BL, et al. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 2020;69(19):575-581
  4. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/postpartum-depression
  5. Georgiopoulos AM et al. J Fam Pract. 2001;50(2):117-122.
  6. Evins GG et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2000;182(5):1080-1082
  7. Khadka, N et al. JAMA Network Open. 2024;7(11):e2446486
  8. Psychiatry.org - What is Perinatal Depression (formerly Postpartum)?

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