[Editor’s Note: Today we are thrilled to have a guest post by Betsy Schwartz, Vice President of Public Education & Strategic Initiatives at the National Council for Behavioral Health.]
In 2001, a tragic event in a suburb of Houston Texas shook the soul of the nation. A successful nurse, daughter, wife and mother did the unthinkable. In a state of postpartum psychosis, Andrea Yates systematically drowned each of her five innocent children. She emphatically believed that her action was the only way to prevent them from spending eternity in damnation. The State of Texas found her guilty and sentenced her to life in prison.
In 2006, the case was re-tried, at which time Yates was found not guilty by reason of insanity. And rightfully so. International media attention focused on Yates’ trials offered a tragic opportunity to teach the world about postpartum illnesses.
During my tenure as CEO of Mental Health America of Greater Houston, we created a fund in memory of the Yates children dedicated to educating new moms and dads about the risks, signs and symptoms of postpartum disorders.
Now, fourteen years later, Mental Health First Aid USA has an opportunity to expand that national dialogue and education. Through a partnership between the National Council for Behavioral Health and Postpartum Progress, new moms can receive training to become Mental Health First Aid instructors, giving them the knowledge and skills they need to spread the word that postpartum illnesses are real, and when recognized, can be treated effectively.
Postpartum education will play an integral role in Mental Health First Aid’s mission of creating healthier communities, as research shows that the health of the mother determines the health of the infant. We look forward to this important collaboration and the work of Postpartum Progress. Together, we can work toward creating stronger, safer communities for all.
-Betsy Schwartz, National Council for Behavioral Health
Comments are requested in this space to “Tell you what we think.” Could I please use it to ask, “What do I do?”
I need help with my daughter. I ask you, in advance, to please forgive the following lengthy comment.
I am a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and the mother of a 39 year old new mom. I care for my five month old grandson in my home while my daughter continues in her profession as a juvenile probation officer.
It is my diagnosis that my daughter suffers from OCPD and postpartum depression. Five women on her maternal side, and her half-sister, have suffered from depression and anxiety related conditions.
Because of the ‘P’ in the OCPD diagnosis her insight is skewed. She doesn’t suffer hours of OCD rituals, rather, her OCPD is interwoven into her personality. She has unrealistically high standards which include not suffering from a mental health disorder.
Also, because of my profession, my daughter considers my concerns as intrusions into the rules she sets up in order to feel comfortable and right.
She does not have thoughts of harming herself or her child, that I know of. However, she has increasingly, over the span of time in which I have voiced my concerns, resisted telling me about new mom stress related issues.
You would think, with my being a member of theLCSW/mental health community in my state that I would know where to go and what you do to help her. I don’t.
Lastly, we have have three argumentative episodes in the past two weeks regarding this issue. One episode included her almost leaving my home, with her son, staying she was going to not go to work that day instead of having her son “stay in this stressful environment.” The only way to stop this type of action is to not confront her unrealistic standards and rules, agreeing with her thought pattern at the time.
My daughter had a C-section because of a previous issue with fibroids. I went to her home, at her request, almost daily, for six weeks while she recovered. I know she discussed postpartum depression with her OBGYN when her son was about two months old. She said she was educated about SSRIs and advised “to get a baby sitter and get out (of the house) more often.”
My daughter has refused, in the past and currently, to take medication or become knowledgeable about the symptoms of OCPD, OCD, or depression. Yet, one can tell she is in so much pain. While my grandson seems to be a happy and healthy baby I know her issues could affect him negatively as he matures.
My daughter’s support system includes a husband who, in her words, “shuts down” when she needs him. I wonder if he isn’t overwhelmed, making as littles waves as possible.
I do not know what to do next. Thank you for offering this space to share my concerns about my daughter, her son, and this debilitating disorder.
I’m sorry you’re going through this, that all of you are going through this. As you well know, a person can’t be forced to get help unless they are a danger to themselves or others. It’s so frustrating to feel so stuck, but I will be hoping along with you that your daughter becomes open to getting help. Sometimes things get worse and then the person is finally ready to see. Sometimes it gets better with time, but recovery does require help. Your involvement is so important, and though she won’t listen know, I hope your steady presence and unconditional support and love will open her to hearing you. It sounds like bringing it up is only driving her away. It’s unfortunate that her doctor did not take this very seriously and only recommended a babysitter. This happens all too often. We work so hard to educate professionals and to steer mamas to those that specialize in postpartum disorders, because they are out there and very good at what they do. If your daughter gets to the point of willingness, here is a link to our page with providers divided by area. Peace to you – http://postpartumprogress.com/womens-mental-health-treatment-programs-specialists-us-canada-australia
Thank you so much for replying. Your comments gave me much food for thought and reminded me, especially as a mother, to continue unconditional love.
I love her so much and hate to see her suffer.
Reading your reply gave me hope. I will continue to be there for her. I will pray for that day of willingness.
Also, thank you for the resource information. Peace to you, as well.
Please add a trigger warning to this post.
I’m sorry, I don’t know what your reply means.