Women suffer from a wide range of mood disorders, including postpartum and prenatal. Yet they are rarely discussed.
Andrea Clark Horton was the chaplain of women’s health for Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, for more than six years. She is now working with Postpartum Support International in order to eradicate the stigma of mood disorders during pregnancy, and especially the shame they bring.
How to cope with postpartum mood disturbances
She told Sonia Baghdady that “part of the shame comes when you’re experiencing what is supposed to be a wonderful, joyful event in your life.” Advocate Now. “You won’t be able to sleep, because you will be exhausted.” The dominant narrative about motherhood says that you should be able do everything with a happy smile.
Postpartum Support International’s mission is to “promote awareness, prevention and treatments of mental health issues associated with childbearing throughout the world.” The organization offers educational materials, mental-health and medication resources as well as support group.
Clark Horton is proud of the work that her teams have done, but she says “there’s still a lot to do to help those professionals who walk beside them.”
