LAKE COUNTY – You’ve just found out you are pregnant, or maybe you’ve just given birth to your child. This is the happiest time of your life.

Or is it? Suddenly you are hit with an array of emotions, both positive and negative. In some cases, women in this situation may even find themselves battling feelings of hopelessness.

Rest assured that these feelings of concern about the future, anxiety and sadness combined with joy and happiness are a normal part of adjusting to your new role in life.

It is normal for many mothers to feel overwhelmed, anxious or sad immediately following childbirth, however, those symptoms should normally dissipate within one or two weeks. Anything beyond that may indicate a need for medical treatment.

Perinatal depression can happen to any mother, regardless of ethnicity, social and economic status, or education. In fact, the condition affects up to a quarter of all women after childbirth.

Depression is one of the most common difficulties during and after pregnancy. Other common symptoms include loss of interest in caring for oneself, frequent crying, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, and loss of interest in food or overeating.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of perinatal depression, be assured there is hope, you are not alone and help is available.

A new program called Mother-Wise is addressing the issue of perinatal depression and mood disorders locally in Lake County.

Please call Jaclyn Ley, Mother-Wise program coordinator, at 707-349-1210 to find out more information.