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Police hunt for gunman after UnitedHealthcare CEO is killed in Midtown Manhattan; Record number of women to serve in state legislatures nationwide; Onions caused McDonald's E. coli outbreak, but beef production still a concern; Detroit suburb revitalized by federal funds.

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Trump reportedly is considering replacing Pete Hegseth as defense nominee, the French PM is ousted, South Korea rejects martial law, Montana blocks a trans bathroom ban, and women's representation in state legislatures hits new highs.

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Limited access to community resources negatively impacts rural Americans' health, a successful solar company is the result of a Georgia woman's determination to stay close to her ailing grandfather, and Connecticut looks for more ways to cut methane emissions.

IN experts urge Hoosiers to seek help for postpartum mental health issues

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Monday, September 30, 2024   

Postpartum mental health issues are often misunderstood, but help is available for Hoosiers who may be suffering.

It's an ideal time to talk about postpartum depression, because more babies are born in September than almost any other month.

Conditions like depression, anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder often develop - due to such factors as personal or family histories of depression, anxiety, or trauma.

Birdie Gunyon Meyer is the director of training and certification at Postpartum Support International in Indiana.

She works with Hoosiers suffering from these disorders, and stressed they are not moral failings - but common struggles many new parents face.

"One in five to seven moms, one in ten dads, get what we call a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder," said Meyer. "And we tend to call it postpartum depression because that's the term everybody knows."

Meyer stressed the importance of distinguishing between what's sometimes called the "baby blues" and more severe conditions. Baby blues usually last up to two weeks.

She emphasizes the need for social support, self-care, therapy, and medication if necessary. Call 1-833-TLC-MAMA to speak to hotline counselors - 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Dr. Donna O'Shea - an OB/GYN and the chief medical officer for population health at UnitedHealthcare - added that women with histories of mood disorders, those from under-resourced communities, and those with limited social support face higher risks, especially if substance use is involved.

"There are some women who have little or no social support," said O'Shea, "and if someone has a history or is currently using substances like drugs or alcohol, they will face higher risks with the pregnancy and after a pregnancy. "

For more information, visit the PSI website or call their helpline to connect with Indiana-specific resources and support.



Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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