There are the baby blues and then there’s depression. Knowing the difference can be tough. But researchers say getting help is a priority, especially when you consider the devastating immediate and long-term impact of maternal depression, particularly on young children’s development and school readiness.

The risks can start even before a baby is born. If a pregnant woman is too depressed to access adequate medical care, there’s a higher chance her baby will be born too early or too small. That can have life-long health and developmental consequences for the child.

After giving birth, a mother’s untreated depression can lead a baby to be passive and withdrawn – at just the time in that baby’s brain development when he should be engaged and stimulated. Toddlers, meanwhile, may become passive or dependent, may be less creative and suffer cognitively.

And the impact of untreated depression can extend into the school-age years, leading
children to misbehave, be anxious, suffer from attention deficit disorders and have
lower IQs.

So how can you tell the difference between baby blues and depression?

Look for these clues:

• Changes in appetite and/or sleep patterns
• Lack of energy
• Feelings of great sadness, hopelessness or worthlessness
• Crying for no reason
• Feeling little interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
• Feelings of inadequacy or not being able to meet the basic needs of your infant
• Extreme anxiety or panic
• Having trouble making decisions
• Feeling out of control

If you or someone you know needs help,
please call: 1-888-634-7900

Sources: www.caringforkids.cps.ca;
Oakwood Center of the Palm Beaches

Click here to read more information about maternal depression in CSC's newsletter, For Our Children.