About Maternal Depression

Depression rates in new mothers in Wisconsin are roughly 1 in 9.

1 in 5 African American mothers in Southeastern Wisconsin
​experience depression within a year after giving birth.

What causes depression?

Depression does not have a single cause, but likely results from a combination of physical and emotional factors. Many mothers do not recognize the signs of depression. With depression, feelings of sadness and anxiety can be extreme and might interfere with a mother's ability to care for herself or her family.

• Many mothers do not recognize the signs of maternal depression.

• Mothers battling maternal depression tend to be primary caregivers and carry the stress and obligations of the entire family.

 

• Many mothers dismiss signals of depression because they are not aware of what the signs of depression are.

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• Stigmas of depression within the African American culture run high and many mothers fear sharing what they are experiencing.

It is extremely important to wrap support around the women in our community.

Support them as they support the families they love.

Coming together as united villages can create stronger community bonds for African American mothers and families. 
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How does a mother know if she has depression?

Many African American moms who experience depression are suffering in silence, but you don't have to. Only a health care provider can diagnose a women with postpartum depression. A woman who experiences any of these symptoms listed should see a health care provider right away. 

Depression doesn't look or feel the same way for everyone. 
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Signs of Maternal Depression:

• Continuous feelings of sadness and crying more often than usual
• Overwhelming feelings of anxiety
• Severe sleep problems -sleeping too much or not enough
• Changes in appetite – eating too little or too much
• Excessive irritability, anger, worry, or agitation
• Extreme lack of energy and motivation
• Inability to get pleasure from previously enjoyed activities
• Lack of interest and withdrawing from the baby, friends, and family
• Extreme feelings of guilt, worthlessness, despair, anger, or hopelessness
• Questioning abilities to care for your child
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of harming the baby or yourself

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