I am not shy about my uneasy truths. I think it’s because truth gets covered up in grace when it is spoken, not hidden. Even if it’s a long road to grace after the telling comes.
I struggle with anxiety and depression and it gets worse after I grow a baby and then have a baby and then feed a baby. This is so common, but like alcoholism, we mothers don’t talk about it very easily. And then we wonder if we’re the only one feeling this heaviness, this cloud of melancholy that has nothing to do with whether or not we love our babies.
Being online has made it possible for us to start talking if we’ve had no other way. If this talking is not happening in our mom groups or at preschool drop-off or with the ladies at our places of worship or on our blocks, we can find it here. We can find truth-tellers, and I’m so grateful for that.
At BlogHer ’10 I met a truth-telling woman who has spent seven years of her life fighting to help women who are struggling with postpartum depression and other postpartum mood disorders. She tells her story, a raw and real one, and then she assures other women that they can get help, too. Her name is Katherine Stone and she has become a dear friend to me.
The work Katherine is doing in the world astounds me with its goodness. I’m honored to tell you about her non-profit Postpartum Progress, something she began after years of writing on her website with the same name. (If you or someone you know struggles with postpartum mental health issues, Postpartum Progress is rich with resources and stories to inspire.)
Today is the kick-off for developing a compelling national awareness campaign for postpartum depression, as well as new and improved patient education materials (the kind new moms won’t throw away!), and new uses of technology to reach suffering moms no matter where they are.
Can you imagine Katherine’s excitement after all these years of hard work? Do you know what this means? Do you see the potential? Friends, only 15% of all women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders ever receive professional treatment. The potential to bring hope to so many more begins today, with Strong Start:
Could you spare a tax-deductible donation to raise money that will go toward these important endeavors (and more!):
- developing a compelling national awareness campaign for postpartum depression
- creating & distributing new and improved patient education materials for distribution by hospitals (the kind new moms won’t throw away!!)
- translating our “plain mama English” information and support into Spanish and other languages
Just this morning, I stood folding laundry, sleep-deprived and thinking of how much it would help mothers of newborns if the word about Postpartum Progress would spread like wildfire. The more financial support that Postpartum Progress has, the more help there will be for women and their families.
I dream big. I want Postpartum Progress to succeed to the extent that every woman that needs help can get it. Even in her own home. Can you imagine the difference that would make? I know I can.
Today I want to say thank you to Katherine and to cheer her on. Her work matters more than words can say.
Thank you for considering Postpartum Progress for your tax-deductible donation.
{ 5 comments }
LOVE that picture – two wonderful strong women who do so much to help out so many!
We are blessed to have you both!
By Word of Mouth Musings recently posted..Passwords Are Like Underwear. Wordy Wordless Wednesday.
I had severe PPD. Severe. It didn’t help that I lost my Mom when my boy was but 4 months old, but oh my word, it was a delirium and fogginess that felt like an anvil I carried around. I will never forget how that felt. And I am so glad that there is A LOT more recognition about it now. Seventeen years ago I was told to eat a better diet and get out of the house more. “It isn’t good to be cooped up.” Well really? It’s winter and I have a baby and how easy is it to negotiate a stroller on a snowy sidewalk. Blah blah blah….. jerks.
So yeah. Two thumbs up. This is awesome. *Love*
Kate recently posted..a homegrown tomato
i’ve struggled with depression since 6th grade. and i’m 41. i have definitely felt the sting of people believing that i am not praying hard enough or am not a “good” christian because i need medication. and ppd? so many don’t understand – think it should be the happiest time of one’s life. i remember BEGGING god for something normal to happen. like sweeping the kitchen or something. it was just so hard. so excited for this movement.
kendal recently posted..this is the day
That pic just makes me want to cry because I want to be sitting with you in Nashville, lost somewhere, on a bench, eating frozen yogurt with Lucky Charms in it. I miss your face. Thank you so much for such a lovely post. Thank you so much for being my friend.
Katherine @ Postpartum Progress recently posted..Every Mother Shares A Common Wish: To Be A Good Mom
spread the word, girlfriend.
I don’t know what I would’ve done with the nurse who helped me.
I’m not exagerrating: it was life or death.
Thank YOU, Katherine.
Alexandra recently posted..Strong Start Day 2011- PostPartum Progress
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