Article for October, 2005
Identifying Postpartum Depression is the First Step in Getting Help
By Katherine Stone
Marketing Consultant and Postpartum Mood Disorder Advocate
What is more compelling than the image of one of the world's most beautiful actresses contemplating suicide, despising the newborn daughter she had fought so hard to conceive? That was Brooke Shield's story in "Down Came the Rain," her book about postpartum depression (PPD). But while Brooke's story shows that even the beautiful and wealthy can develop a postpartum mood disorder, this illness can affect anyone. I should know, because it happened to me.
I expected the birth of my child to be one of the most joyous and exciting times in my life. But it was the exact opposite. Like many women who suffer from a postpartum mood disorder, I thought that the anxiety and insomnia I was experiencing was something that most mothers went through. It wasn't until I started to have thoughts about harming my seven-week-old son that I realized I needed help.
If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be suffering from PPD, talk to your doctor or attend one of the free, anonymous screenings being held nationwide on October 6, National Depression Screening Day.
Read the rest of this month's article, "Identifying Postpartum Depression is the First Step in Getting Help"
This health article is brought to you by our Featured Health Article of the month:
Katherine Stone
Marketing Consultant and Postpartum Mood Disorder Advocate
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Current as of October 2005
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