Mental Illness Awareness Week - Postpartum Mood Disorders

Last week, a mother named Miriam Carey was killed after a succession of tragic events. We will never know what compelled Miriam to drive her car into the White House barriers. What we do know, however, is that Miriam suffered from a postpartum mood disorder. And what we can do -- to honor Miriam and to support and protect women and babies everywhere -- is spread the word:

• Postpartum mental illness (postpartum mood disorders) is real and it affects as many as 950,000 women annually
• Postpartum (and perinatal) mood disorders represent more than depression -- anxiety, psychosis, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Postpartum mood disorders are treatable
• You are NOT ALONE and this is NOT YOUR FAULT

If you think you may be suffering from a postpartum mood disorder, seek help right away. The following two resources provide resources for getting help in your area, as well as support and information:

• Postpartum Progress - www.postpartumprogress.com
• Postpartum Support International - www.postpartumprogress.com

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) also is a resource for women wanting to know more about their postpartum depression symptoms. You can easily take this test in the comfort of your own home to learn more about your symptoms and begin the evaluation process. The test is not meant to replace clinical diagnosis or advice, but the results should be shared with your doctor. You can take the test online here: http://psychology-tools.com/epds/.You can join other women from across the globe in honoring Miriam and mothers everywhere who have and are experiencing postpartum mood disorders by checking out the Facebook page "For Miriam."

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