I hoped to write something about the Mother’s Act sooner. Okay, I guess it’s better late than never. I was actually glad that Blog Day was made Blog Week, but I missed it anyway.
There is a great need for more research and education about postpartum mood disorders. More research is desperately needed to find causes and better treatment options. I have heard estimates of 1 in 8 and 15% of postpartum women will get postpartum depression. Personally I think the number is higher. I think many women go through it without being properly diagnosed. Many people suffer as a result of postpartum mood disorders. It affects not only the mothers, but the entire family.
I've caught glimpses of anti-Mother's act websites, blogs, and Youtube videos. They are quite compelling. They confused me with talk of "Big Pharma" and forced medicating. Thankfully, I actually read the text of the Mother's Act. The fact is that there is nothing in the Mother's Act about forcing prescription medication. I concluded that many of those against it may not have actually read it. Or they may not have any comprehension of what it feels like to live with something like postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, or even psychosis.
Seriously there does need to be more public education. Women and families going through a postpartum mood disorder need to know that it’s okay and that it’s a treatable condition. Doctors and other medical professionals need education too. They need to realize the seriousness and need to be aware of resources. Medical professionals need the tools necessary to provide assistance and direction to these women and their families. Women shouldn’t have to be fearful of their doctor’s minimizing the problem. Information about where to go for help should be readily available. Getting mental health help can be difficult. At least where I live, psychologists & psychiatrists are booked up for at least 4 weeks. When I was at my worst with PPD, I called the therapist that my O.B. referred me to, plus all the mental health providers in the yellow pages. They were all booked up for several weeks. That was no consolation to me because I was in turmoil then, and I didn't want to wait. Trying to get help is itself enough to drive someone to the brink.
I do know the personal turmoil & desperation. I know the desperate need for the problem to be fixed & go away. I also know the desperate need for being "normal" and being able to cope. The process of getting help shouldn't add to the stress and make problems worse.
There are many consequences of untreated postpartum depression. The National Center for Children in Poverty at Columbia University came out with a study in Jan 2008 about Reducing Maternal Depression and It's Impact on Young Children. There can be learning disabilities, behavior problems, and other psychological problems for the child. They advise that depressed mothers affect the readiness of young children entering school. I think of my own son. If I had gotten treatment sooner, would he still need to be in a preschool for developmentally disabled children? There is also general family stress and marital problems to consider. Many women who go through postpartum depression look back and see gaps, and things like fun, playful memories that are missing.
You can read more about the Mother's Act at these wonderful sites:
What can you do to help? Look here.
A statement from Senator Menendez applauding grassroots show of force
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