Getting the public to pay attention to postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is getting a public airing.

ABC television network's "Private Practice" series is supporting postpartum depression awareness efforts by showing an episode on Feb. 12 with a storyline on the topic.

ABC also consulted with Postpartum Support International to create a public service announcement about postpartum depression, which will be available on the network's website immediately following the show. Contact information for Postpartum Support International can be found.

While the episode has not been seen prior to airing, postpartum depression advocates are hopeful that the material will "closely correspond to the clinical presentations women experience when going through postpartum depression."

"Storylines which responsibly present the ravages of these illnesses without the alienating sensationalism - which fuels stigma rather than hope - can greatly influence a nation's response to those suffering from these illnesses."

Susan Dowd Stone of Postpartum Support International thanked ABC for its willingness to not only approach this critical subject matter, but to offer viewers contact information to Postpartum Support International, the world's largest nonprofit devoted to the eradication of perinatal mood disorders.

"This ensures that those moved by the shows content will not be left wondering where they can go to find help for themselves or a loved one," Stone said.

"This year, as we seek to finally pass The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act,we are grateful for the educational outreach offered by such leading networks in our fight to eradicate the needless suffering of the over 800,000 women who will experience a perinatal mood disorder this year," she said.