The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is distributing informational palm cards about the signs of postpartum depression (PPD) and other perinatal mood disorders to new locations throughout Ocean County.
The small card is part of a statewide program to help women who are experiencing perinatal depression and their families find information and services.
The additional distribution is a direct response to the positive feedback from a pilot program launched in 2009, according to a press release from DHSS.
The palm cards are available at more than 180 locations in Ocean County including:
• Jenny Craig, 1900 Route 70 and Shorrock Rd., Lakewood.
• Art Pro Nails, 740 Brewers Bridge Road, Unit 3, Jackson.
• Asia Nail, 2042 W. County Line Road, Jackson.
• Cool Nails, 400 S. New Prospect Road, Jackson.
• Jackson Nails, 2275 W. County Line Road, Jackson.
• Nail Art II, 2275 W. County Line Road, Jackson.
• Lifestyles Salon and Day Spa, 2080 W. County Line Road, Jackson.
• At the Jackson Outlets, Route 537: Aeropostale, BCBG MaxAzria, Calvin Klein, Carter’s, Disney Store, Gap, Guess, Gymboree, Lucky Brand Jeans, Nine West, OshKosh B’gosh, Skechers, Stride Rite, and The Children’s Place.
• Tan Fastic, 2275 W. County Line Road, Jackson.
The Speak Up When You’re Down palm card, available in English and Spanish, lists signs of perinatal depression, which may include crying; feelings of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness; and lack of interest in family and friends.
The card also directs people who want help to the DHSS statewide Family Helpline (1-800-328-3838), which is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions about perinatal mood disorders (PMDs) and available resources.
The card also lists the comprehensive informational Internet website at www.njspeakup. gov.
DHSS launched the Speak Up When You’re Down campaign in 2005 to encourage mothers experiencing symptoms of PPD to seek medical help and to reduce the social stigma associated with depression.
PPD can affect any woman who has recently had a baby, ended a pregnancy, miscarried, or who has stopped breast-feeding. In New Jersey between 11,000 and 16,000 women suffer from PPD every year.