Dealing with depression

CYNTHIA RAMSAY SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN

Between 10 and 20 per cent of women have significant postpartum symptoms, according to Dr. Deirdre Ryan, a psychiatrist with the Reproductive Mental Health (RMH) program, which is run out of B.C. Women's and St. Paul's hospitals. Ryan and several others will be speaking at an upcoming educational evening at Temple Sholom called Mood Changes in New Mothers and the Postpartum Experience: A Forum for Women, Their Families and Support Systems.
Postpartum depression is depression that occurs within a year of giving birth, said Ryan.

"What you look for is change in sleep patterns, change in eating patterns, change in energy level, feelings of guilt around mothering skills and difficulty bonding with the baby, especially a lack of enjoyment with the baby," she said, explaining some of the symptoms of postpartum depression. "The most serious of them is suicidal thoughts."

Ryan said that family genetics, a previous history of depression, the stresses in a person's life and other factors can all play a part in postpartum depression. She said that awareness is key to dealing with the illness.

"This can be a very serious illness and can have long-term consequences if untreated," said Ryan. "But the most important thing is that it is a treatable illness and that with treatment, people can do very well."

At the forum, Ryan will discuss Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: Presentation, Bonding Issues and Treatment Options. She will be joined by Dr. Michal Regev, who is originally from Israel. Regev, a marriage and family therapist with the RMH program, will talk on The Interplay Between Postpartum Depression and the Couple Relationship.

The information evening will also include a presenter sharing a personal story of how this illness has affected one family, and a panel of presenters from the Pacific Postpartum Support Society (604-255-7999) who will discuss what help is available. The event will be chaired by Doris Bodnar, RMH outreach co-ordinator.

Sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women, Temple Sholom Sisterhood and RMH, there is no cost to attend the forum. It takes place Feb. 12, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at Temple Sholom, 7190 Oak St. To register, call 604-675-6973 by Feb. 10.

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