I'm super excited about this film because I honestly believe
that we should hear more women's stories of how they battled with postpartum
depression. We are not alone and we can get through this difficult period in
our life. There is always hope.
As many of you know I released a short personal memoir last
month sharing my story with PPD. Last year was a very tough one for me and
hearing other mother's stories really helped me through those dark moments.
That is why I am thrilled about this film and am so honored that Lindsay and
Tanya allowed me to interview. So let's dive right in!
Me: Thanks so much for stopping by Urban Goddess Revealed.
Tell us about When the Bough Breaks:
Tanya: "When The Bough Breaks" came about after I
discovered I had suffered from PPD.
Brooke Shield's book "Down Came a The Rain" actually saved me
as no doctor or therapist could vocalize what I was going through. I then had the fortune of meeting Jamielyn
Lippman, who filmed me for her documentary "Die Trying" about being
an Actor. We spoke of being mum's. She hadn't suffered from PPD but was
interested enough to partake in this journey with me to make a documentary. We then interviewed Lindsay Gerszt, and
realized she was a perfect fit in our puzzle. The three of us are now
producing, with Jamielyn Lippman directing, and we are creating an important film to
bring notability to this area of Motherhood that desperately needs attention.
Me: That is so great. This area definitely needs more
attention. What inspired you to produce a documentary about postpartum
depression?
Tanya: I wanted a child more than anything in the world, but
at four months pregnant I found myself on the kitchen floor crying so hard
there was drool coming out of my mouth.
I had no idea why, and so I began therapy. The baby came, and I became depressed,
badly. I was not sleeping and I wanted
to escape my life. This made no sense. I changed and became isolated. My marriage was failing, and I had a hard
time functioning. My OBGYN and therapist both wanted to out me on
anti-depressants. That didn't work for
me. I needed to understand why I was
feeling this way. I then read "Down Came The Rain" by Brooke
Shields. For the first time I knew what
was wrong with me. I had PPD. I overcame it with the help of natural
supplements, no longer breast feeding, and going back to work. I realized that many women suffer from this,
and no one talks about it. There needs
to be light brought to this very important subject.
Lindsay: Postpartum depression affects 1 in 7 women. The
numbers are just going up. Why are so
many women and families suffering from this illness. I look back at what I could have done
differently after I had my son. How
could I have prepared better? I did not make sure I had an OBGYN that had
experience with PPD. In fact, my doctor talked me into being induced as she was
going away the day I was due. She did not warn me about the dangers of being
induced. I also was not well during my sons first visit to the pediatrician
after birth. The pediatrician, as wonderful as they were with my son, did not
know how to deal with a mother who was clearly struggling. What could they have done differently? What resources could they have given me that
may have helped.
The hardest part of
having postpartum depression was the lack of understanding from my friends and
family. Unless you go through it how can anyone really understand it? The answer to this question is simple. Teach,
tell your stories, do whatever you can to raise awareness! Ask the questions that have gone
unanswered. Find a way to help others
understand this epidemic. Let them know
they can help! They can make a difference
in our lives. With understanding and
without stigma women will be less afraid to tell their stories. The more people this film reaches, the more
awareness can be spread, the more lives can be saved.
Me: Yup, *nods* Describe your experience with postpartum
depression.
Tanya: I was exhausted, sad, detached, I wanted to
disappear. I really believed my husband
and child would've been better off without me.
My marriage was failing and we went to therapy. I couldn't understand why I felt the way I
did when so many moms were filled with joy.
The thought of even leaving the house or going for a walk was terrifying. My friends left me alone thinking I needed to
adjust to being a mom, when I was really sinking into a deep depression. I also felt my husband was in a depression. I had anxiety a lot, and I was
terrified. It was awful.
Lindsay: I had a strong feeling I would get PPD after the
birth of my son six years ago. I had experienced severe depression and panic
disorder when I was twenty years old in college. It was so bad that I had to
leave school and stay in bed for half of a year until I got better, which was
with the help of medication.
I thought I had prepared for the worst when I got pregnant.
I had a psychiatrist, who was watching me and my family was aware that PPD
could happen. We also hired a night doula for three weeks after the baby was
born so I could get sleep at night.
As prepared as we were nothing could have prepared me for
the storm that came. Two days after I gave birth I went into a severe
depression with OCD and anxiety. Sadly
my son also had severe reflux, which made it hard for him to eat, sleep or put
a smile on his sweet face. For a mother who questioned everything, I didn't
think I knew how to be a good mother for him. I had intrusive thoughts that
told me I didn't know how to change the baby, feed the baby, hold the baby or
be a good mother to my baby boy. Because
of my OCD, I had to have control over everything. This way of thinking is not
good for relationships and many of mine suffered because of it.
When my son was seven weeks old, I changed doctors and found
someone who was able to get me stable on a cocktail of medication. The past six years has been a roller coaster
of emotions. I have moments when I know I have a lot more work to do. One thing
I have always had is hope. I have and will always fight to overcome PPD. I find such joy in my son and look at him as
a hero.
Me: Anxiety is the one part of PPD that you don't hear much
about nor the accompanying rage. PPD is such a roller coaster. My god, I
remember feeling better when my daughter was nine months old and started
sleeping through the night. I thought I had cleared the woods and then at right
after her first birthday she started getting sick because she was in a daycare.
Fussy sick baby, sleepless nights, stress, no support, and BAM I was back on my
ass again.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. In conclusion
what is the number one message of this film and when will it be complete?
Tanya: One in seven women are affected by PPD. There is nothing to be ashamed of and we want
to educate mothers, soon to be mothers, family, and the public that this is
real, and there is help. When The Bough Breaks will be complete in early
2015.
Me: Yay, I look forward to seeing it! Thanks again for the
interview. For the rest of you out there here is a little preview of the film.
Enjoy and have a wonderful week.
