Depression means you have been strong for too long
#UnStigma Baby! creates awareness of depression before, during, and after pregnancy. The struggle is real. Depression and anxiety are a worldwide crisis. Despite strides related to awareness and acceptance, some people are not being treated due to fear of stigma or not knowing the signs.
Coronavirus has change our way of thinking and brought on stress that many of us thought we would never see in our lifetime. Before that, through the years, many will recall other major stressors, not to mention day-to-day family, work and school stressors: the feeling of division in the US ("us" versus "them" attitudes), Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, Gulf War, Wars in Afghanistan, War on Terror, Korean nuclear threats, Orlando Night Club Shooting, and Sandy Hook Massacre. Then there's our beloved veterans who lost their lives serving, came home disabled, or doing their best to re-acclimate to their families, after seeing war. Teenage suicide, cutting, college debt, government elections, opioid/drug crisis, taxes, car accidents, divorce, bullying, job loss, taking care of aging parents, healthcare shortage of workers, 2-working parents, are just few more that seem to affect the majority of people, in some capacity.
No one is immune. It is likely that you know someone struggling with depression and are hiding it due to the stigma. One day it could be you.
It is likely that parents have gone through one or many of the traumas above. In many cases, depression is a chemical imbalance and not a character flaw. Loss is devastating and can cause depression.
We ask you today, to reach out to someone you know that you think might be living with depression, and ask them to take the Depression Screening by clicking on the yellow button above, and share the results with their doctor, especially our pregnant loved ones.
You, your son, daughter, mom, dad, brother, sister, husband or wife may be affected by depression and anxiety.
Mental health stigmas of the past are preventing people from seeking help for their depression.
We ask you to link arms with us and crush stigmas needed so your brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and friends seek professional help to become well.
You Don't Judge "Baby Ava". So, Don't Judge "Grown-Up" Ava.
This is Ava as a baby
This is Ava, who is now in kindergarten
This is Ava, who is now in kindergarten
Possible early warning signs of depression in a baby
- Withdrawal
- Does not easily engage with adults
- Unsociable
- Difficult to soothe when distressed
- Does not play easily
- Does not smile or laugh much
- Quiet, still and passive
- Does not require much attention
- Feeding problems (poor appetite)
- Underweight
- Failure to thrive (non-organic)
- Developmental delays
- Reluctance to explore the environment
- Easily overlooked
This is Ava, who is now in kindergarten
This is Ava, who is now in kindergarten
This is Ava, who is now in kindergarten
Kindergarten depression signs and symptoms
- Feeling sad (cries, pouts, looks sad or troubled)
- Becomes ill frequently
- Seems distracted; has trouble focusing and concentrating
- Loss of appetite
- Has a sad appearance, or looks very tired and worn out
- Engages in attention-seeking actions at bedtime
- Fights with friends and adults over trivial matters, irritable with others
- Diminished interest in school, schoolwork, or after-school activities
- Diminished ability to think, analyze, and decide
- Disruptive Behavior
- Doesn't want to interact or socialize with other children
- Unreasonable fears
This is Ava, who is now in high school
This is Ava, who is now in kindergarten
This is Ava, who is now in high school
These symptoms may indicate depression, particularly when they last for more than two weeks:
- Poor performance in school
- Withdrawal from friends and activities
- Sadness and hopelessness
- Lack of enthusiasm, energy or motivation
- Anger and rage
- Overreaction to criticism
- Feelings of being unable to satisfy ideals
- Poor self-esteem or guilt
- Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness
- Restlessness and agitation
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Substance abuse
- Problems with authority
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
This is now, pregnant Ava
This is Ava, 80 years older, who is now living in assisted-living
This is Ava, who is now in high school
What are the signs of depression in pregnancy?
- Persistent sadness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Loss of interest in activities that you usually enjoy
- Recurring thoughts of death, suicide, or hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Change in eating habits
This is Ava, who is now a grandmother
This is Ava, 80 years older, who is now living in assisted-living
This is Ava, 80 years older, who is now living in assisted-living
Grandmother depression signs and symptoms
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
- Abuse of medication
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Inexplicable feelings of sadness
- Grandma feels alone
- Grandma has health issues
- Grandma doesn’t want to be a burden
- Effects on the speech and movements
- Irritative nature
- Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains
- Neglecting personal care (skipping meals, forgetting meds, neglecting personal hygiene)
This is Ava, 80 years older, who is now living in assisted-living
This is Ava, 80 years older, who is now living in assisted-living
This is Ava, 80 years older, who is now living in assisted-living
Signs and symptoms of depression in older adults and the elderly
- Irritability
- Loss of self-regard
- Social withdrawal
- Increased pain
- Recent illness or surgery
- Recent loss
- Sadness or feelings of despair
- Exhaustion
- Memory troubles
- Being worried and anxious
- Disturbed sleep (difficulty in sleeping or excessive sleeping)
- Losing weight or loss of hunger