Postpartum Depression

Floor Speech

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Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about a common medical condition that is too often masked by silence and stigma. It affects more women than diabetes or stroke or breast cancer. It is postpartum depression.

Here are some words from women who have suffered from postpartum depression.

From Maria: I was experiencing anger and rage, and I had suicidal thoughts. ``I don't know what's wrong, but I can't take care of the baby, and I'm miserable all of the time.''

From Jodi: My son was sick again, and I was crying so hard I could barely text my mom to have her come over immediately. I waited anxiously at the door, with a screaming, ill child, and greeted her by handing over my son, saying, ``I can't do this anymore.''

From Heather: Soon after the birth of my son, I knew something was wrong with me. I couldn't fall asleep, or if I did, I couldn't sleep for long. I also couldn't eat. I forced down every bite of food, and I spent most of my time crying.

These women are not alone. In 2013, there were more than 3.9 million live births in the United States, and of these births, one out of every seven mothers was affected by postpartum depression.

Women suffering from maternal depression often report overwhelming and isolating feelings of sadness, anxiety, fear, and guilt. This can include strong feelings of anger, thoughts of death or suicide, and even negative feelings towards their babies.

The children of mothers with postpartum depression can become withdrawn, have behavioral problems, and have a higher risk of anxiety disorders, depression, and toxic stress.

Even though this condition affects hundreds of thousands a year, many do not seek medical help. Many moms report that they are too embarrassed to admit their feelings or are worried they might be seen as failing or as being bad moms. It doesn't have to be this way. The good news is that treatment works. Ninety percent of women who are going through postpartum depression can be treated effectively.

That is why I am introducing a bill with Representative Costello to make sure new moms are not on their own when it comes to dealing with postpartum depression. The Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act will offer grants to States to screen and treat new and expecting moms for maternal depression.

States and professional groups have made great progress, and we need to support them as they move to increase awareness and consolidate resources. We need to help doctors recognize the signs of postpartum depression and provide access to appropriate treatment.

This is commonsense legislation to help the over 400,000 women annually who suffer from maternal depression. We need to stand up and tell moms they are not alone. Needing help does not make them bad mothers, and help is out there, but we need to make sure those who need it can get it.

I ask my colleagues to cosponsor our legislation and take this concrete step towards supporting healthy moms and healthy babies.

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