My Experience with Postpartum Depression

The birth of a child should be among the happiest times in anyone's life, however for many new, or soon-to-be mommies, this milestone may trigger depression - known to happen anytime within the first year after childbirth. For most women, the symptoms are mild and dissipate on their own. However, some develop a more a troubling and potentially dangerous form of this mood disorder - postpartum depression.

Nine years ago, two weeks following the birth of my first child, depression hit hard. Having gone through a lengthy and complication-ridden labor resulting in a traumatic emergency caesarean delivery, I found my self emotionally fragile and haunted by nightmares and flashbacks of the birth.

It was like a black cloud had come over me, and I felt empty. I had no hope. My depression worsened to the point where I contemplated suicide. I couldn't take it anymore. I was afraid to tell anyone because my fear was that they would take my baby away from me. Without knowing what to do, or who to turn to, somehow I made it through this horrifying time through my strong will and with my family's love and support.

Unfortunately, these same fears reappeared about a year later when I became pregnant with my second child. Knowing what I'd been through previously I began experiencing panic attacks during my second trimester. Fortunately, this time I sought counsel from a friend, who suggested I seek the advice of medical professionals. In partnership with my doctor, treatment helped mitigate the anxiety I was experiencing during my pregnancy, and I was able to continue my recovery.

Following my experiences, I came to learn that this type of depression is more common than one would think. In fact, approximately 15% of all women will experience postpartum depression following the birth of a child and up to 10% experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy. Counseling, support groups, and medication are resources available that can help.

I coordinate a support group, a local chapter of Postpartum Support International (PSI), sponsored by Perinatal Outreach and Encouragement for Moms (POEM Inc.) with 15 moms currently participating. It is one of five support groups organized throughout the state of Ohio. PSI, founded in 1987, strives to increase awareness about the emotional changes women experience both during pregnancy and following childbirth, and disseminates information and resources through its volunteer coordinators, website and annual conference.

I have also created a website called, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) After Childbirth, which provides up-to-date information, and practical advice on how to deal with trauma. When it was created in 2005, it was the only website in the United States that deals specifically with the issue of PTSD as a result of a distressing childbirth experience. It has received almost 1000 hits so far. My online message board, for mothers who have been through similar experiences, has 120 members from all over the world, and growing.

The key message, one that I learned through my own trials and tribulations, is that these women suffering from depression during pregnancy and postpartum are not alone and not to blame. And, with the proper help, they will be OK. For more information, log onto my website at www.ptsdafterchildbirth.org.

My dream is to be able to help women suffering from postpartum mood disorders on a full time basis. I am currently persuing a Bachelors Degree in social work, then I intend to get a Masters Degree in counseling; while continuing my volunteer work, and raising awareness of these disorders through public speaking. I am determined that no woman should have to suffer alone.