Nirmaljit Dhami, MD explains perinatal depression symptoms and emphasizes treating the biochemical process with medical support.
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El Camino Health destigmatizes maternal mental illness by equipping families with actionable symptom recognition and support strategies.
- High Prevalence: Perinatal anxiety and depression are the most frequent complications of pregnancy. About 20% of women are affected, they remain highly treatable.
- Recognizing Symptoms: People supporting pregnant and new moms should watch for severe sleep disruption, the inability to feel pleasure or joy in activities that they normally find fun or meaningful, and intrusive thoughts.
- Specialized Care: El Camino Health operates one of only five specialized inpatient perinatal psychiatric units in the U.S., prioritizing the critical mother-infant bond during treatment.
- Closing the Gap: California mandates screening, yet few women referred for mental healthcare receive treatment, underscoring the urgent need for expanded education.
