Speak Up When You're Down

The "Speak Up When You're Down" campaign helps create awareness about Perinatal Depression. This campaign was designed by Junior League of Los Angeles as a result of the Junior League's California State Public Affairs Committee's and the Los Angeles County Perinatal Mental Health Task Force's sponsored legislation - ACR105 which declared every May to be "Perinatal Depression Awareness Month" in the State of California.

Perinatal Depression is estimated to impact 10 to 20% of new mothers and can affect any woman—regardless of age, race, income, culture, or education, however women living in poverty are more likely to experience Perinatal Depression and teen mothers are twice as likely to suffer with the disorder. Perinatal Depression symptoms range from mild to severe and can include feelings of sadness, guilt, fear, worthlessness and anxiety, and difficulty making decisions. Many women have difficulty finding the energy to care for themselves, their infants, and their families. Some even have feelings about harming themselves and their children. Without treatment, symptoms may last a few weeks, months, or even years. Eighty percent (80%) percent of women with Perinatal Depression will go undiagnosed and untreated and will suffer needlessly. Early diagnosis and treatment is critical, therefore it is imperative that women and their family and friends and clinicians and other professionals know the signs and symptoms of Perinatal Depression.

Please help spread the word, by purchasing some of our branded merchandise. The proceeds will be used for the production and distribution of perinatal depression informational materials.