Giving Thanks
In the spirit of this often overlooked holiday, I wanted to share with you one of the things I am most grateful for this Thanksgiving...The people in this world who are brave enough to disregard stigma, embarrassment, humiliation, urging from their family and friends to do otherwise, and guilt, focusing on the potential to help someone else when they speak up about their depression or anxiety.  Time and time again I am overwhelmed by the number of people that in 2009 alone shared their story in the hopes that it might inspire, lift up, or educate others about mood disorders.  If you'd like to read more about just a few of them, please click their names below and you will lin

Being Mindful
We've talked before on Beyond Postpartum about approaching life and especially motherhood with an attitude of living in the moment.  In that regard, a few months ago I bought and began reading Buddism for Mothers.  Though I do not practice this religion, I believe that much of this practice and mindset can be implemented into and complement Christianity.  I have read the first chapter or two and I have found some extremely helpful tips.  The one that has stuck most with me over the past weeks was the advice to be mindf

Reminder about the Therapist-led PPD Group
Where: Ridgeview Institute              3995 South Cobb Drive              Pro North Building              Group Room 6              Smyrna, GA 30080      When:   1st and 3rd Thursdays of every month             2- 3:30 p.m.   &nbs

Insomnia, and obsessions, and sadness, OH MY!
Today I came across this GREAT article at Postpartum Progress about the signs and symptoms of Postpartum Deression and related disorders.  Though I have done presentations, websites, interviews, etc. about this very topic on several occasions, the lists that I created and rattled off were more like "clinical speak" then the "plain english" Katherine uses in her post.  That's why I wanted to share it here.  She speaks it just like you are probably thinking it when you consider how you are feeling right now.As I read through t

My PPD Video on WebMD
A couple of months ago I was contacted by the video production department at WebMD.  They were seeking PPD Survivors to do a profile piece on Postpartum Depression.  After a great and lengthy conversation with the head producer we knew we were a terrific fit.  Though it was the busiest time of the year for me (remember that huge event I plan at work that just happens to be about a week before Lorenzo's birthday?), I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share my experience and hopefully educate and send a message of hope to those families who are suffering.  Just a short week later, the camera crew arrived at church (my place of work) and spent the day with me.