About

This site was inspired by my cousin. While her story is not ready to be told in full, I feel it's important to share some of it here.

Fairly recently, my family experienced a terrible and horrific shock when my cousin and mother of three attempted to take her own life. Thankfully her children were not present, and she has survived, but the aftershocks of this senseless act have shook our family and the many people that love and care for her, and left my cousin changed for life.

The overwhelming reaction not only to the act itself, but the method involved has been stark disbelief. "That's just not like her," could be heard by one and all who have come into contact with my normally vivacious and strong cousin. She had been treated for depression after each of the births of her children, her third only a year old. While it is still unclear how she came to such a decision, one thing is glaringly clear: her terrible choice could have been prevented.

After doing research on both Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis, I realized that there were three areas where I could do some good. First, educating people on the signs, symptoms and effects of these disorders. Second, assisting those affected with and by these disorders in sharing with others to create a supportive community in which to learn, grow and heal. Third, using the first two goals to achieve the third which is to save as many lives as possible through awareness, education and compassion.

While 80% of women experience some form of Postpartum Depression or "the baby blues", 1-2 in 1000 of those women will develop Postpartum Pyschosis, a dangerous and unstable form of depression that can lead to infanticide and/or suicide. If diagnosed, this disorder is totally treatable. Creating an awareness of the signs and symptoms is key, then, to saving lives.

Meanwhile, we can create a supportive community where mothers, husbands, family and friends can come together and learn from each other. My hope is that this site will bring some form of hope and security to all who have been touched by these disorders, regardless of the severity.