Search results for 'postpartum'

Surviving Severe Postpartum Depression

Susan Campbell
Families for Depression Awareness

I started dreaming about having a baby when I was a very little girl. I began babysitting at a young age and played with dolls for far longer than I care to admit. Being a mother was my life’s ambition. I never imagined that when I finally became a mother, I would have thoughts of hating my baby or wanting to hurt her or myself. But that’s exactly what happened and today I am truly grateful that we are alive.

I couldn’t have been more excited, less than three months after our wedding, to learn that I was pregnant. But it wasn’t the magical, transformative experience I’d imagined. It was a lot like turning a year older: you know something happened, but you don’t feel any different.

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I Had Postpartum Depression and the System Failed Me

Care for Your Mind acknowledges and appreciates the collaboration of the National Network of Depression Centers in developing this series.

I Had Postpartum Depression and the System Failed Me
Jamie Belsito

After the births of each of my two daughters, I suffered from postpartum depression (PPD), OCD, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. Both were terrifying experiences. There were times I wanted to go to sleep and never wake up, times I experienced visions of stabbing myself with sharp objects.  My experiences made no sense to me, as I was joyful about both of my pregnancies and the births of my daughters.

During what was to be the most wonderful time of my life, instead, I felt alone and completely confused. I didn’t know where to turn, and even when I reached out for help, the response from the medical community was inadequate.

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Maternal Mental Health Readings

One result of Care for Your Mind’s collaboration with the National Network of Depression Centers is a series about perinatal depression. We encourage you to peruse these posts, as well as the personal stories and additional articles listed here.

Maternal Mental Health: A National Health Care Crisis
Nancy Byatt, DO, MS, MBA, FAPM
Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Founding & Statewide Medical Director, MCPAP for Moms

Surviving Severe Postpartum Depression
Susan Campbell
Families for Depression Awareness Volunteer

I Had Postpartum Depression and the System Failed Me

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This Holiday Season, Talk About Mental Health in Your Family

Susan Weinstein, JD
Editor in Chief, Care for Your Mind

We have an assignment for you: when your family is gathered to celebrate any of the upcoming holidays, have a conversation about your  health history. There’s no better time than now to learn about your family’s health history, including mental health issues.

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The Why, Where, When, Who, and How of Mental Health Screening

Susan Weinstein
Editor-in-Chief, Care for Your Mind

October 11, 2018 marks National Depression Screening Day, a
prompt for people with concerns about their mental wellbeing to take advantage
of nearby in-person screening opportunities and get connected to local
resources. Participating in a screening day made all the difference for 25-year-old
Monica, whose mother told her to go take a screening or she’d take her there
herself.


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Where We Are with Mood Disorders, Part 2

Scott T. Aaronson

Scott T. Aaronson, MD
Director, Clinical Research Programs
Sheppard Pratt Health System

Our Mental Health Awareness Month series continues with Dr. Scott Aaronson talking about depression treatment developments and what’s on the horizon.

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How Would You Fix Mental Health Care?

Capitol

Susan Weinstein, J.D.
Editor-in-Chief

Imagine that the Congressional powers-that-be came to you and said, “We really have to fix the mental health care system. What should we do?” What would you say? Which issues would you prioritize?

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Post-Partum Depression Saga: Is This What Women Should Expect?

Danielle Johnson

An Interview with Danielle J. Johnson, MD, FAPA
Lindner Center of HOPE

A woman goes to her doctor and expresses concern that she may be experiencing post-partum depression. Alarmed by the woman’s statement that she sometimes thought of hitting herself or squeezing her baby – though qualified with the statement that she wouldn’t hurt her baby – the office calls the police and the woman is escorted to the hospital, where she is held for hours.

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