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MPR News Staff

Report: Depression grips many new Minnesota moms; too few seek help

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Depression and anxiety grip at least 15 percent of new mothers in Minnesota — nearly 30 percent within low-income communities — and not enough women seek the help they need.

That's the conclusion of a new Minnesota Department of Health report that finds many Minnesota women struggle with postpartum depression but don't seek treatment even after being diagnosed.

Depression and anxiety of new moms "often goes unidentified and untreated," the department said after examining 2012 data that showed that even after being diagnosed with postpartum depression or anxiety, "about half of moms using public health programs do not receive follow-up care."

A recent state Health Department survey revealed barriers to treatment, including transportation, treatment wait times and lack of childcare.

It also indicated "anxiety is a significant challenge for women who have recently delivered a baby, and not just in the weeks following delivery. Symptoms for anxiety and depression can emerge months after birth."

Up to 80 percent of women may feel the blues after a birth, but often it lifts after a week or two, officials said. Women with lingering or deepening anxiety can struggle caring for themselves or their new baby.

"Left untreated, maternal depression and anxiety can rob a baby of the critical interactions and nurturing from mom that are necessary to stimulate an infant's brain development," the department said.

The report comes just days before Mother's Day. Gov. Mark Dayton has also declared May Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. Local officials are supporting the "Make It OK" campaign to reduce the stigma of mental illnesses and to learn what to say to someone who is struggling with mental health issues.

"Too many moms are struggling with these challenges alone," Minnesota Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger said in a statement. "When our screening can identify a mom who is struggling, we can often find a treatment that can help ease her individual suffering, and improve outcomes for her baby and her whole family."