Just Baby Blues, or a Dangerous Time for Mom and Baby? Free film screening to raise awareness, offer resources and hope

(Salt Lake City, UT) – More than just the “baby blues,” postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety can literally paralyze new mothers and put them and their newborns at risk. All women and the people who love them are invited to attend a free screening of a groundbreaking film that shines a light on the darkness of mental health problems related to pregnancy.

Recent Utah data show 13.8% – or 1 in 7 women – report having postpartum depression. Nationally, postpartum psychosis, a condition related to bipolar disorder affects, 1or 2 mothers for every 1,000 births and can endanger moms and newborns. “Depression and anxiety are the most common complications of childbirth. Women need to know what to look for and what to do at every stage of pregnancy as well as the first year postpartum,” says Amy-Rose White, LCSW. 

White is a perinatal psychotherapist and founder of the Utah Maternal Mental Health Collaborative (UMMHC). She has dedicated her life and career to serving postpartum women after going through PPD herself. She says the film, Dark Side of the Full Moon, is a must-see for women, their families, and providers as it will help them recognize the symptoms of PPD and anxiety which include: 

• Racing thoughts
• Constant worry about baby’s safety
• Irritability, anger, or rage
• Guilt about your feelings
• Tearfulness and sadness
• Intrusive images 

The film will be shown Friday, May 6 from 5:30-9:00 p.m. at the Intermountain Medical Center Doty Education Building #6, 5121 Cottonwood St., Murray, UT 84107. The film is a no-holds-barred unveiling of the depths of maternal depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Several experts and those who’ve dealt with postpartum depression will be available after the screening for comments. They include: 

• A mother who had postpartum depression
• William Cosgrove, MD, President, Utah Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
• Julie Frenette, Certified Nurse Midwife
• Amy-Rose White, LCSW, Perinatal Psychotherapist

“Women with postpartum depression are trapped in an awful silence,” says William Cosgrove, MD. “Our community must not contribute to this silence. We must raise our voices and reach out to every mom.”
 
“Mental health problems affect mom’s bonding with baby, marital relationships, and the child’s short- and long-term development if she doesn’t get help,” adds White. “Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the first year after a woman gives birth.”

Julia Robertson with the Utah Department of Health MotherToBaby project says women need to know that if they have mental health problems during pregnancy or breastfeeding, they can be safely treated with therapy and medication. “Depression and anxiety medications are among the most studied of all drugs, and their use continues to show that babies and moms are healthier when mom manages the illness with the help of her doctor.” For information on medications in pregnancy, visit http://health.utah.gov/prl/.

The UMMHC gives women and families information and resources via its website, www.utahmmhc.com. A care algorithm and treatment resources to guide medical practitioners is also available. The Collaborative offers training throughout Utah to improve prevention, awareness, screening, and detection of maternal mental health disorders. 

The film’s sponsors warn viewers that some of the images can be disturbing for women who have experienced postpartum depression and other mental health disorders in pregnancy.

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Media Contact:
Cyndi Bemis
(o) 801-538-6924 (m) 801-550-4228
cbemis@utah.gov