Postpartum Progress

Gwyneth Paltrow Suffered PPD

So Gwyneth Paltrow admits in Vogue magazine this month that she suffered postpartum depression after the birth of her second child.  What does this tell us?  That she is a normal human being just like everyone else and is just as susceptible to postpartum depression as the next person.  I'm glad she was willing to share the teensiest bit of her story, and find it interesting that the following short paragraph ended up spreading like wildfire around the web, as reported by E! Online ...

The Oscar-winning mother of two is opening up about her battle with depression after giving birth to her and rocker hubby Chris Martin’s second child. “You know, I had postnatal depression after Moses," Paltrow says in the new issue of Vogue. “I didn’t know I had it until after it was over. I just didn’t know what was wrong with me...I felt really out of my body. I felt really disconnected. I felt really down; I felt pessimistic.”

Girl, we feel you.  We've been there.  As to whether it was caused, as she indicates, by her cessation of acupuncture and massage treatments I'm not so sure.  But what do I know?

People Magazine Reports Britney Did Suffer PPD

People.com is now reporting that Britney Spears did in fact suffer from postpartum depression.  Not surprising.  I've been saying all along that it seemed like her life was bumping right along until she had her children, and then there seemed to be a huge change in her demeanor. 

Britney Spears has "suffered from a psychological disease for years," says a source close to the singer.

Two separate sources who are acquaintances of the family believe the singer has never been formally diagnosed with bipolar disorder, but "there is no question she is bipolar ... she's had manic episodes for years" ...

PEOPLE has learned from multiple sources that the singer also suffered from depression after both her pregnancies. "She had postpartum depression after Preston was born," says a source who was close to the family during her marriage to Kevin Federline. "She didn't want anyone's help ... It got worse after Jayden was born" ...

A close family friend says "the tragic thing is that Britney loves her children and would never knowingly put them in harms way. Her mental instability is getting in the way of her making proper judgment and it's extremely unfortunate."

If it is true, the important thing to point out here is how important it is to seek treatment.  A lot of us don't want any help, as the article states about Britney, because we don't want people to know and we don't want to admit that we may need therapy or medication.   And in her case, I can completely understand her reluctance since she knew any problems she had would be shared with the entire world.  But the alternative is SO much worse.  I'd rather admit maybe I'm not the invincible person I thought I was than to descend into a vortex of misery.  Untreated mental illness can become much worse, and have a greater negative impact on the sufferer and everyone around them.  Get past the stigma, get past the fear, get past the disappointment and reach out.  Ask for help.  You and everyone around you will benefit from your courage.

Amy Grant Discusses Her Postpartum Depression in New Memoir

Here's a link to an article that just appeared in the Nashville Tennessean about singer Amy Grant's new memoir, "Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far".  Apparently, Amy speaks out for the first time about suffering postpartum depression in her new book.  From the article:

In Mosaic, Grant, 46, speaks publicly for the first time about the cyclical onset of depression when the winter days grow shorter. She also mentions postpartum depression, a miscarriage and being "too wrecked and too ashamed" to say nightly prayers with her young children when her first marriage fell apart.

 

Canadian Entertainer Amy Sky's Story of PPD

For all of you Canadians out there, here's a link to a story from St. Catharine's Standard about singer/songwriter Amy Sky and her experience with postpartum depression.  Sky is a campaign spokesperson for the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario, which is encouraging people to get a Check Up from the Neck Up in a province-wide campaign.

PPMD Deserves Attention No Matter Who Gets It

This is a link to a story from United Press International, from the annual meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that was held earlier this month.  (Sorry it took me this long to get to it!)  Here's what I loved about it:

"'Unfortunately, it seems that pre-natal and post-natal depression only gets attention in tragedies or when celebrities are involved," said Stanley Zinberg, vice president for practice activities for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

"We screen for many diseases that occur far less often than peri-partum depression," Sharon Phelan, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, told United Press International."

I noticed this recently with the hearings on Capitol Hill about the Mothers' Act and the Melanie Blocker Stokes Act.  News outlets from as far as away as the Middle East wrote about Brooke Shields testifying at the recent hearing.  Everyone wants to talk about it because Brooke Shields was there. No offense to Brooke, who I'm so pleased was willing to testify along with others, but why the frenzy over her appearance and not over the HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of women and children who suffer yearly from postpartum mood disorders.  Why not a frenzy over the children who've been killed or the women who've committed suicide?   Can we really not get excited about doing something about this issue unless Brooke Shields shows up??! And I would bet Brooke would agree with me.  I would imagine she doesn't want this to be about her, but about helping women get better treatment.  Congress needs to do something, regardless of who shows up to tell their story.  There are countless stories, and every one of them is heartbreaking.

Shields, Menendez, Rush & Codey to Introduce MOTHERS Act in Senate Friday

This just in from Senator Menendez' office!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:

On Friday morning, leading into Mothers’ Day weekend, actress Brooke Shields will join U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Mary Jo Codey, wife of former New Jersey Governor Richard Codey, and others to announce the introduction of The MOTHERS Act in the Senate.  The legislation would initiate new federal investment in postpartum depression education, detection and treatment programs for new mothers. Similar legislation – the Melanie Stokes Postpartum Depression Act – has been introduced in the House by Rep. Rush.

WHAT: In lead up to Mother’s Day, introduction of anti-postpartum depression legislation in Senate

WHO:   Brooke Shields; Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ); Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL); Mary Jo Codey, longtime postpartum depression awareness advocate, wife of former New Jersey Governor Richard Codey; and Carol Blocker, whose daughter, Melanie Blocker Stokes, took her own life after battling postpartum depression

OTHER SENATORS/SPEAKERS TBA

WHEN: FRIDAY, May 11, 10am

WHERE: 538 Dirksen Senate Office Building (Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Hearing Room), Washington, DC

E! Online Covers Britney's Possible PPD

Click here to see the story by E! Entertainment News about Britney Spears' potential postpartum depression.  Sandra Poulin (author of The Mother-to-Mother Postpartum Depression Support Book), Susan Dowd-Stone (president of Postpartum Support International) and myself were all interviewed for the story.

Laughing at Mental Illness - Britney Spears, Lisa Nowak & Anna Nicole Smith

There has been some discussion about whether Britney Spears is suffering from some form of postpartum depression.  It certainly doesn't seem out of the realm of possibility, given the number of stressors in her life (divorce, paparazzi, two children under the age of 2, growing up in public).  She is only 5 months postpartum.  I really feel for her and I hope she gets the support she needs and that people BACK OFF and stop making fun of her.  It's not funny when you're going through some sort of breakdown as we all know -- imagine how much worse it would be to have it drawn out in public. Here's a link to a piece from the Chicago Tribune website:  http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/features_julieshealthclub/2007/02/does_britney_ha.html

It amazes me how free people feel to laugh at mental illness.  There has been so much collective giggling about the female astronaut Lisa Nowak (who drove across the country in diapers to confront another woman), about Anna Nicole Smith (who seems to have relied on prescription drugs to get through her days), about Britney (who has just shaved her head) ... millions tune in gleefully to watch people who are clearly troubled get made fun of on "American Idol".  There's nothing funny about it.  Everyone has the potential to suffer from a bout of depression or some other illness, and some people fight against it their entire lives.  Most get help and live regular lives like the rest of us. 

Could we please stop having a laugh fest at the expense of people who are clearly suffering?  It's just. not. funny.

Tom Cruise Has Another Apology to Make

So Tom Cruise has now apologized to Brooke Shields, and she accepted his apology (see story here).  Good for them both. 

I, on the other hand, have not forgiven Tom Cruise.  It hurt all of us when he dragged our illness into the spotlight and essentially made us feel awful for having taken medications that were prescribed to us by legitimate physicians in order to recover.  It wasn't only his comments that hurt, but also the echoing, more destructive comments from so many ignorant people around the country when this story arose because of Cruise.  It was very hard to read the words of many citizens online and in print about how we're crazy and stupid and drugged up, etc.

When he apologizes to all women who have suffered or are suffering from postpartum mood disorders, I'll accept.  Until then, I don't plan to spend my box office dollars on his movies.

It's okay with me that he doesn't believe in antidepressants.  No problem.  But don't judge me because I do believe in them.  Don't make me look bad in the public eye because I had to take them.  They saved my life. 

Brooke Shields & Katie Holmes Deliver Babies

Brooke Shields had baby number two, another girl, yesterday.  We wish her well and our thoughts are with her!  I hope she has a PPMD-free experience, but if not we know she will be under good care with lots of support around her.

Katie Holmes, fiance of outspoken antidepressant critic Tom Cruise, also delivered her baby girl yesterday.  We also wish her well and hope she has a PPMD-free experience!

Tags: postpartum depression Brooke Shields Katie Holmes

Cox Arquette's baby blues

Courtney Cox Arquette recently disclosed she, too, suffered from postpartum depression: Chicago Tribune | Cox Arquette's baby blues.

Of course, it annoys me that the Chicago Tribune chose to use the headline "Cox Arquette's Baby Blues". How many times do we have to explain that the baby blues is nothing compared to full blown postpartum depression?

Brooke Shield's Story Coming May 3

Brooke Shields' book "Down Came the Rain", about her experience with postpartum depression, will be released on May 3.  Amazon.com describes it this way:

In this compelling memoir, Brooke Shields talks candidly about her experience with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter, and provides millions of women with an inspiring example of recovery.

When Brooke Shields welcomed her newborn daughter, Rowan Francis, into the world, something unexpected followed -- a crippling depression. Now, for the first time ever, Brooke talks about the trials, tribulations, and finally the triumphs that occurred before, during, and after the birth of her daughter.

In what is sure to strike a chord with the millions of women who suffer from depression after childbirth, America's sweetheart Brooke Shields shares how she, too, battled this debilitating condition that is widely misunderstood, despite the fact that it affects many new mothers. She discusses the illness in the context of her life, including her struggle to get pregnant, the high expectations she had for herself and that others placed on her as a new mom, and the role of her husband, friends, and family as she struggled to attain her maternal footing in the midst of a disabling depression. And, ultimately, Brooke shares how she found a way out through talk therapy, medication, and time.

Exhibiting an informed voice and a self-deprecating sense of humor, this first memoir from a woman who has grown up before the eyes of the world is certain to attract the attention and empathy of many new mothers and fans alike.

Order it here from the PSI bookstore.

Those of you living in the New York area or California can see her at the following book signings:
*  Saturday, May 7 at noon at the  Costco in West Lake Village
*  Saturday, May 7 at 7pm at Borders Books & Music in Torrance   
*  Monday, May 9 at 7pm at the Barnes & Noble at Union Square in NYC             
*  Tuesday, May 10 at 7:30pm at the Barnes & Noble in Princeton, NJ            
*  Wednesday, May 11 at 7pm at the RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison, CT