"I'm particularly grateful to New Jersey's First Lady Mary Jo Codey for her leadership on mental health issues. Mrs. Codey has been a successful advocate on behalf of those who suffer from mental illness in New Jersey. Her personal dedication to bringing light to these conditions, which are often overlooked and misinterpreted, has been tremendous.
"We know that postpartum depression is a devastating mood disorder ranging from 'the baby blues' to full-blown postpartum psychosis. Postpartum conditions strike many women during and after pregnancy. It is estimated that 400,000 women currently suffer from postpartum mood changes, with baby blues afflicting up to 80 percent of new mothers. Beyond the baby blues, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders impair around 10 to 20 percent of new mothers and postpartum psychosis strikes 1 in 1,000 new mothers.
"The causes of postpartum depression are complex and unknown at this time. However, if diagnosed properly and treated with social support, therapy and medication, relief is highly attainable. All too often, postpartum depression goes undiagnosed, because providers are not trained to detect the symptoms, or the condition goes untreated due to social stigma or embarrassment.