Expectant and New Moms Encouraged to "Speak Up When You're Down"

LOS ANGLES, CA, May 03, 2013 (Press-News.org) The Los Angeles County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force is launching its third annual Maternal Depression Awareness Month between May 1 - May 31, 2013, in an effort to bring public awareness to the critical needs of women and families who are affected by prenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety across Los Angeles County.

During Maternal Depression Awareness Month, thousands of women, children and families will come together in communities across LA to raise awareness of maternal depression and to reduce stigma associated with the disorder so that women who are suffering are encouraged to seek help. Maternal depression encompasses a range of mood disorders that can affect a woman during pregnancy and around the time of birth. Left untreated, maternal depression leads to long-term depression in the mother, a lack of emotional availability for the baby and detrimental outcomes in the development of the fetus, newborn and developing child. The good news is that these conditions are often preventable and highly treatable.

Themed Speak Up When You're Down, individuals can participate in Maternal Depression Awareness Month by attending events, conducting outreach in their communities, joining the Los Angeles County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force's social awareness campaign or purchasing Mother's Day cards. Some of the many events planned for the month include family festivals, educational workshops, policy summits, screenings of a Public Service Announcement and the distribution of informational posters and brochures.

"Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are more common than one might think. Yet they are highly treatable and prevention efforts can make a positive impact," said Caron Post, PhD, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force. "Through a variety of Speak Up When You're Down activities, we hope to let women know that maternal depression is common, treatable and that they are not alone."

What's Happening During May

Emerging Considerations in Maternal Mental Health Policy Summit, Sacramento
May 6, 2013, 8:45am - 2:30pm
A press conference on the capitol steps followed by an expert panel discussion on Support for Dads, Alternative Treatments, Psychosis and the Law and the Role of Sleep and a networking luncheon.
http://www.camaternalmentalhealth.org/emerging_considerations_in_maternal_mental_health_part_3

Speak Up When You're Down Provider Workshop & Family Festival, Los Angeles
May 10, 2013, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
A panel discussion on reflective practices in early childhood care and education settings, as related to maternal depression, followed by a festival featuring educational and recreational activities for mothers and their children.
http://www.maternalmentalhealthla.org/featured-stories/156-may-10th-provider-panel-family-festival

California Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Action Education Day, Sacramento
May 23, 2013, 7:45am - 4:30pm
Educational presentations on maternal mental health assessment, diagnosis, screening and treatment, data collection, successful strategies and policy initiatives

Speak Up When You're Down Public Service Announcement
A two-minute and 30 second Public Service Announcement featuring men and women who have been affected by maternal depression is available for viewing and display on websites.
http://www.maternalmentalhealthla.org/featured-stories/155-psa

Six Things Every New Mom & Mom-to-Be Should Know About Maternal Depression
An informational poster and brochure on prevalence, symptoms, timing, causes and treatment options for maternal depression is available for display and/or distribution at hospitals, doctor's offices, daycares, preschools, community centers and more.
http://www.maternalmentalhealthla.org/for-providers/resources

Mother's Day Cards
Show all the mother's in your life your appreciation buy purchasing a pack of Mother's Day-themed greeting cards. Each card has been designed by a child who's mother experienced maternal depression. Proceeds from the cards will benefit the Los Angeles County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force.
http://www.maternalmentalhealthla.org/featured-stories/154-greeting-cards

The Los Angeles County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force's mission is to remove the barriers to prevention, screening and treatment of prenatal and postpartum depression in Los Angeles County so that all mothers can have a happy and healthy pregnancy and postpartum period. The Task Force provides training and technical assistance to over 1,000 health care and community-based providers throughout Los Angeles County each year, coordinates public awareness events and initiatives and advocates for laws and policies that encourage universal screening for maternal depression and access to care. For more information, please visit MaternalMentalHealthLA.org.