LETTER: Help women with depression

The tragedy of the Bozeman Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ family greatly  saddens me.

Recent research reveals that over 10 percent of pregnant women and approximately 15 percent of postpartum women experience depression.

The related hormonal and biological changes associated with pregnancy or giving birth may initiate a clinical depression. Or, the changes in lifestyle associated with caring for a young infant may constitute a set of stressors that have mental health consequences for the mother. One woman in a thousand experiences a postpartum psychosis — a medical emergency. These brain disorders require treatment.

Let’s make sure our pregnant and postpartum friends and family members are screened for depression. Encourage your local politicians to vote for better mental health care, more outpatient treatment centers and research for better medications. Please support your local National Alliance on Mental Health/Local Advisory Council.

—Julie Doyle, Marion