Bet you can't guess?

Do you know the number of women that develop Postpartum Depression or Anxiety?

What do you think? 

Would you say 5%, 10%, 35%, 70%. How many women develop Postpartum Depression or Anxiety? 

Here are the Facts: 

1 in 7 women will develop a Postpartum Mood or Anxiety Disorder (PMAD)
Really? Yes, really, that is nearly 15% and some statistics would even say 1 in 5 women, which is 20%.


The Facts:

• Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders are considered the #1 medical complication related to childbirth.
  
  
• 50% of women who are diagnosed with PMAD may begin experiencing symptoms during pregnancy 
  
  
• Symptoms may emerge up 12 months after birth. 
  
  
• Only 15% of women who develop postpartum depression, seek out and receive professional treatment. 
  
  
• Early detection can greatly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.
  
  
• Men are not immune and up to 10% of men may experience paternal depression related to role and relationship changes.

My private practice, Maternal Counseling Services, which is located in the Kalamazoo, Portage, Michigan area, specializes in providing mental health counseling for postpartum moms experiencing postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. So I took some time to look at the numbers in Michigan. 

To aid mothers to be and recent moms, we developed The Postpartum Mental Wellness Planner, a free online resource at www.postpartummentalwellness.com. In it you will walk away with a detailed personalized plan for your postpartum mental wellness.

If you are experiencing anxiety or depression and you've recently had a little one or are currently pregnant you can speak with a mental health professional by scheduling an appointment with Maternal Counseling Services, PLLC, or email help@maternalcounselingservices.com.

​Ciji C. Gamble, MA, LPC, NCC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan, and the owner of Maternal Counseling Services, a counseling private practice that specializes in the care of postpartum mothers. As a counselor Ciji helps women, at all stages of life, find peace in their present and hope for their future. She is the mother of a toddler, wife and a teacher at heart.