October 24, 2007
Postpartum depression is an illness. It is real and it isn’t funny.
Anyone who has been through this themselves or is close to anyone that has suffered from PPD understands how serious it can be.
Today is Blog Day for MOTHERS Act.
the MOTHERS Act (Mom’s Opportunity to Access Help, Education, Research, and Support for Postpartum Depression) will ensure that new moms and their families are educated about postpartum depression, screened for symptoms, and provided with essential services. In addition, it will increase research into the causes, diagnoses and treatments for postpartum depression.
In honor of the MOTHERS act, I will be giving away a signed copy of The Ghost in the House: Motherhood, Raising Children, and Struggling with Depression
No, I didn’t sign it Tracy did. (I mean, I suppose I could sign it too, but that seems kind of silly since Tracy is much cooler than I am and she wrote the book and all I did was read it like some commoner.) And don’t worry. I’m not giving away my own copy. She signed this one just for you guys.
All you have to do to win the book is leave a comment here and I’ll draw a winner at random.
Please support the MOTHERS Act.
Thanks.
Posted by Goon Squad Sarah @ 4:21 pm • Contests
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October 24th, 2007 at 4:29 pm, Sports Mama Says:
Being a mother who has struggled with depression the entire time, I can honestly say that it would have felt so much easier in the beginning if people at least believed it were real, and something I’d get over if I slept more or ate better. It would have been even better to have had the kind of help and resources then that women today have.
Trust me…. I’m definitely a supporter.
October 24th, 2007 at 4:35 pm, Trish Says:
Thank God there are books out these days saying that it’s normal to have this depression. My mother was told it was all in her head and I think that severely affected her mothering skills.
I had some mild PPD after my daughter was born but wrote it off to having two kids 2 and under. I have my days still, now almost 2 years later. It’s true that a lot of people think it can be fixed by sleeping more, getting a routine, etc, and to those people I just want to say Um no. No that doesn’t work but thanks for playing.
Anything to help moms deal with this very real issue, I’m all for it 100%.
October 24th, 2007 at 5:11 pm, Cindy Says:
PPD sucks and its real.
Showing my support!
October 24th, 2007 at 6:05 pm, Melissa Says:
As a first-time mom, *I* believed I needed to sleep more and eat better and I’d be fine…and I don’t think I was right. There is definitely a need for more awareness!
October 24th, 2007 at 6:39 pm, Ashley Says:
I was lucky enough to have a family member that had suffered from PPD herself and she was able to recognize that what I was going through was not just lack of sleep. I fully support the mothers act!
October 24th, 2007 at 6:43 pm, tammy Says:
Is the book good enough to buy (if I don’t win, that is)?
October 24th, 2007 at 8:35 pm, Jill Says:
having had depression as a teenager and 20 something, i’m worried about getting ppd if i have kids. my hubby’s already been alerted, but still, you never know.
October 24th, 2007 at 8:49 pm, geena Says:
I suffered from PPD after my twins, especially when i found myself pregnant again when they were only 4 mos old
October 24th, 2007 at 8:53 pm, Katherine Stone Says:
Thank you so much for posting today and supporting Blog Day for the MOTHERS Act. Let’s hope people keep writing and calling into tomorrow, because I hear the phone lines were pretty busy today. Women have so much power and we sometimes forget to use it. You have helped so many women with PPD, and I am forever grateful!
October 24th, 2007 at 10:25 pm, Deep Muck Big Rake » Leave a comment, win a prize: MOTHERS for PPD Act Says:
[...] saw that Tracy and Devra blogged about it. Then I saw that Sarah blogged about it. Then I saw lots of other people blogged about [...]
October 24th, 2007 at 10:32 pm, Becky Says:
I totally stole your idea … I’m giving away a copy of Tracy’s book too.
October 25th, 2007 at 1:01 am, Andie D. Says:
Thank you for posting about this. When I was diagnosed with PPD a little over two years ago, I had barely a clue about the disease. I vowed that I would talk about it, read about it, learn, support, grow.
If I’d known then what I know now…. DANG. I would’ve known that it wasn’t my fault. That taking medication did not mean I was “weak”. That there is no magic bullet in the form of medication. I could so very easily go on.
October 25th, 2007 at 8:43 am, Stephanie Says:
Thanks! Currently pregnant with #2, and though I didn’t have it with #1, I realize how often this happens.
October 25th, 2007 at 8:53 am, sarah, baby g sarah Says:
Am I too late, have you already picked a winner?
October 25th, 2007 at 9:51 am, Lori Says:
I only hope women get help and know/feel that it’s ok. (Screw what all the non-believers/non-understanding people think! They can all bugger off!) I expect my friends to tell me that I need help, if I don’t already recognize it myself. Considering my history of depression….I’m not looking forward to that part.
I give all of you who is dealing or has ever dealt with it BIG VIRTUAL HUGS!
October 26th, 2007 at 12:02 am, slackermommy Says:
I’m not familiar with Mother’s Act. Thanks for making me aware. I suffered PPD with three of my kids.
October 26th, 2007 at 6:47 am, Ally Says:
I have a five month old. I also have wonderful support from friends and family. I do not have PND. I still find it all hard and challenging. I can only imagine how hard and how frightning it must be for those that are or who have suffered with this illness. I respect every mother who has this condition but takes on the mighty challenge to overcome it. I am not sure I could. A big word up to all those mothers – you are the real inspiration.
October 26th, 2007 at 8:22 am, Traffic Experiment #2 - Contest Update #2 Says:
[...] give you another update sometime next week. The kids and I are also going to draw a winner for our other contest this afternoon. (There is still time to enter to [...]
October 26th, 2007 at 9:56 am, ktjrdn Says:
I’m bummed that I missed this the other day. I’ve been meaning to write a post about it. I had no problems with Ally. But when I had Anya, I got depressed even before I gave birth. it’s so hard to pull yourself through. And so many people just don’t realize that it’s even a problem.
October 26th, 2007 at 10:43 am, Kimberly Says:
I was a mess after my first. I didn’t know I had so many tears. So glad there is more support out there now!
October 26th, 2007 at 12:23 pm, Kayce Says:
Might as well throw my name in the hat. I had undiagnosed PPD with my first, and I’m always watching for signs now that I’ve had my second. It’s scary for sure.
October 29th, 2007 at 11:10 am, MGH Center for Women's Mental Health Says:
Thanks for your support of the MOTHERS Act. Too often postpartum depression is a problem that goes unnoticed, and most women with PPD never receive any type of treatment. PPD is a treatable illness, and it is essential that we continue to educate ourselves and others about this important issue.
For more information on PPD, visit us at The MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health