Steps to Get Help

Steps to take if you have symptoms of depression or anxiety during or after pregnancy:

  1. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, it is very important to get support immediately. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
    • Though it can be scary to ask for help, they can help keep you and your baby safe and help you take the first steps towards getting better.
  2. Tell someone you trust how you are feeling. It is important that you feel safe with the person and that they support you in a non-judgmental way. Ask them to help you find support. Examples of someone you can tell:
    • Your partner
    • A family member
    • A friend
    • A healthcare professional
    • A religious leader
  3. Call your doctor.
    • Insist that they see you and help you find support.
    • Consider bringing with you a supportive person.
    • Remember, your symptoms are treatable.
  4. Look into these resources:
    • Call the Postpartum Support International (PSI) HelpLine 1-800-944-4PPD
      • This is not a crisis line and you may need to leave a message and wait for a call back.
      • Ask them to help you find a psychiatrist or counselor/therapist in your area.
    • Go to the PSI website and follow the following path to find resources in your area:
      • Click on “Find Local Support, Resources and Events”
      • Find your state and contact the PSI representative for information
    • Call 1-800-PPD-MOMS (1-800-773-6667)
      • Someone will answer no matter what time you call.
      • Tell them how you are feeling.
      • Ask them to help you find a psychiatrist or counselor/therapist in your area.
    • If you have health insurance, contact them and ask for a list of mental health professionals in your area.
      • They may also be able to tell you if there is a counselor/therapist in your area with expertise in postpartum depression or other perinatal mood disorders.
    • If you do not have health insurance, call your local Department of Health and Human Services and ask for a counseling clinic in your area.
  5. If you want to read more information about depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy, go to this website: www.mededppd.org
  6. Remind yourself:
    • I am a good person
    • I am a good mother
    • This is not my fault
    • My symptoms are treatable
    • I deserve to feel better

Disclaimer: Jenny’s Light is not a health care provider. The content of this website serves to provide peer-to-peer support. The information included is for educational and advocacy purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or psychological condition. Please consult your health care provider for individual advice regarding your own situation.