OVERCOMING POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY
- a guide for pregnant and postpartum women and their families.

After over 25 years as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and after working with hundreds or women and their families experiencing anxiety and/or depression before and after having a baby, Linda Sebastian was familiar with all of the books available on postpartum depression. "But there just wasn't one for patients and their families that was speaking their language." And since postpartum mood changes are the most common complication of pregnancy, Linda decided to write one after a patient told her, "you should write a book." Overcoming Postpartum Depression and Anxiety has met with resounding success, and is in its second edition.

"Every year nearly 400,000 women--approximately 15% of all new mothers--face postpartum disorders. Postpartum depression is the most common complication of pregnancy, yet few understand it or are prepared to deal with it," according to Linda Sebastian, Bonita Springs, Florida, author of Overcoming Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. "These women are often devastated by the unexpected mood changes after delivery. And because they're unaware of how common the problem is, they feel alone and ashamed, and try to hide their symptoms. They think they are bad mothers," Ms. Sebastian said. The book uses actual women's stories, with names changed to protect their privacy, to illustrate symptoms of the disorders. There is a useful chapter on treatment, and a chapter for fathers and families. A resource guide is also included in the new edition.

Many new mothers suffering from postpartum disorders have never had any contact with the mental health system, creating another roadblock for them in seeking help, according to Ms. Sebastian. "These women get lost in the 'gaps' in the health care system. I hope these women, and the general public, will become aware that help is available."

Ms. Sebastian is a frequent speaker to women's groups and health professionals across the country. "Fortunately, there is growing awareness about postpartum disorders among the medical community. Historically, health professionals have not been trained to recognize these problems, but that is changing."

Overcoming Postpartum Depression and Anxiety is a trade paperback published by Addicus Books.

Retail Price: $14.95. Available through book stores or toll free at 800-352-2873, or purchase directly from Addicus Books.

For review copies or additional information, contact Rod Colvin at info@AddicusBooks.com or at 402-330-7493.

The Spanish version of
Overcoming Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
is also available:

Como Superar La Depresion Postparto by Linda Sebastian is published by Aguilar Press in Mexico. D.R. © Santillana Ediciones Generales, S.A. de C.V., 2005.
Av. Universidad 767, Col. del Valle
Mexico, 03100
Telefono: (55)54207530
www.Aguilar.com.mx
isbn: 970-770-129-3