Women suffer from a wide range of mood disorders, including postpartum and prenatal. Yet they are rarely discussed.
Andrea Clark Horton worked as a chaplain at Northwestern Memorial Hospital Chicago for 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 Deal with Postpartum Mood Disorders
She tells Sonia Baghdady, “Part of the shame is when you experience what’s supposed be this wonderful joyful life-changing event.” Advocate Now. “You will be tired and you won’t sleep.” 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.” Postpartum Support International offers support groups, educational materials and mental health resources.
Clark Horton, while proud of her team’s accomplishments, believes that “a lot more needs to be done” to support the professionals who work alongside them.
