Facts About Postpartum Depression in Latinas: What You Need to Know

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One in seven women suffers from postpartum depression. It was also found out that 32 percent of pregnant Latinas suffer from the depressive disorder, Latina website reported.

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow spoke openly about her experience with postpartum, ET Online revealed, in an article. While many feel a sense of shame when it comes to the syndrome, the actress bravely told of her own experience. Paltrow suffered from postpartum depression when she gave birth to her second child in 2006.

"When my son, Moses, came into the world in 2006, I expected to have another period of euphoria following his birth, much the way I had when my daughter [Apple] was born two years earlier," she said. "Instead, I was confronted with one of the darkest and most painfully debilitating chapters of my life."

The Centers for Disease Control revealed that 11 to 20 percent of women who give birth each year show symptoms of postpartum disorder. These symptoms are similar to depression but with a slight difference:

•  Feeling disconnected to your baby
•  Worrying that you will hurt the baby
•  Feeling of guilt and shame that you can't take care of the baby
•  Scary and negative thoughts about the baby
•  Trouble sleeping even when the baby is asleep
•  Loss of interest in activities
•  Problems in focusing, thinking, and making decisions
•  A general low and sad mood

According to Latina, although symptoms might be similar to the usual "baby blues" which affects 80 percent of mothers, postpartum is different. "Baby blues" shows symptoms like lethargy, uncontrolled crying, and insecurity which goes away briefly. It lasts a few days or weeks while postpartum lingers for more than a few weeks and the cases are more severe.

In a study that was conducted in 2009, it was revealed that the number of Latinas who suffers from mental illness because of childbirth has increased. Compared to non-Hispanics, Latinas are also less likely to seek medical and professional treatment.

"Doctors and experts attribute this increased risk to a variety of cultural and economic factors, including high levels of stressors, low incomes, large families, low levels of education, and poor housing," detailed the publication.

Postpartum can be treated with therapy and medicine. These methods will include talking your feelings with psychologists or social workers. Doctors can also prescribe anti-depressant medicine to treat the symptoms of depression.

The U.S. Women's Health Department said that there are some risk factors that may increase chances of getting postpartum depression. The list includes:

•  Personal/family history of depression or other mental illness
•  Lack of support from friends and family
•  Lack of money or marriage problems
•  Young age
•  Substance abuse
•  Anxiety or negative feelings about pregnancy