Nassau County - Long Island, New York

May 1, 2013

County Executive Mangano Proclaims May As Perinatal Mood Disorders Awareness Month

Illuminates Dome of the Theodore Roosevelt Building in Recognition

Mineola, NY – Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano is proclaiming May as Perinatal Mood Disorders Awareness Month in Nassau County.  As we celebrate Mothers Day in May, this proclamation will assist in raising awareness of the challenges that many new mothers face as a result of experiencing a perinatal mood disorder (PMD).

“I am proud of the outstanding work and the continuing efforts of the Nassau County Perinatal Services Network in raising awareness of Perinatal Mood Disorders,” said County Executive Mangano.  “On May 8th we will light the dome of the Theodore Roosevelt Building to support new mothers and their families and to promote public awareness of this serious disorder.”

PMD is the most common complication of pregnancy, affecting one in every 8 to 10 women during the perinatal period, which includes the entire period of pregnancy up to one year after delivery.  This major public health concern affects at least 3,500 families in Nassau County.

While the exact cause is unknown, contributing factors may be biological, psychological, or hormonal.  Family and friends can play an important role by recognizing the warning signs of PMD, providing support and helping the woman to seek help. The warning signs may differ among women but common symptoms include the following:

 

  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Changes in appetite
  • Feeling irritable, angry or nervous
  • Feeling exhausted
  • Not enjoying life as much as in the past
  • Lack of interest in the baby
  • Lack of interest in friends and family
  • Feeling guilty or worthless
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Crying uncontrollably
  • Feelings of being a bad mother
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Thoughts of harming the baby or harming herself

In May 2012, the Nassau County Perinatal Services Network launched the “Ask the Question” campaign.  The “Ask the Question” campaign encourages those who are in contact with a new Mom to ask how they are doing, how they are coping....giving the new mom permission to say they need help, to give them hope and to let them know they are not alone. The overall goal is to create a safety net by working together with healthcare providers to improve the recognition and connect with treatment options. 

Help is available for all women in Nassau County.  For additional information on PMD or the “Ask the Question” campaign, call the Nassau County Department of Health Perinatal Services Network at 516-227-9422 or visit their website at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/mom_babies.html.

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