[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 13015]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Massachusetts (Ms. Clark) for 5 minutes.
  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withdrawn, have behavioral problems, and have a higher risk of anxiety 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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