In recent years, stories of celebrities seeking treatment for mental health issues have become increasingly prevalent in the media. One notable case is actress Mia Johnson, who recently entered a facility for postpartum depression, as reported by her publicist. Johnson has openly discussed her battle with postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter, Lily, in December. Her willingness to seek help and share her experience is commendable and serves as an inspiration.
However, fleeting news articles about celebrities’ struggles with postpartum depression fail to address the broader issues surrounding perinatal mood disorders. They do not provide the depth of coverage and support necessary to help the many women who suffer in silence and do not seek treatment.
As co-editors of Mothers Rising Above: Women Share Their Postpartum Journeys (She Writes Press, November 2023), we have been privileged to hear from numerous women who have experienced perinatal mood disorders (PMD). Our call for submissions attracted hundreds of heartfelt essays and accounts, highlighting the complexity of these experiences. As mothers ourselves, we also carry our own stories of postpartum challenges.
The realities faced by women living with these conditions are far more intricate than the simplified narratives often found in celebrity-focused media. “The media jumps in to cover postpartum depression when a celebrity speaks about it, but they should invest more time in understanding the full range of illnesses women can face, who the qualified experts are, and what information is genuinely beneficial,” remarked Sarah Mills, a mental health advocate and founder of Moms Mental Health. “Instead, they rush to publish a story filled with glamorous photos and recycled facts that rarely reflect the truth and can sometimes even perpetuate stigma.”
Mills’ observations highlight a significant gap in media coverage. Here are some critical aspects often overlooked in public discussions about postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorders:
- Postpartum depression is just one of many perinatal mood disorders. Conditions such as anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also occur during or after pregnancy. As one participant in our survey noted, “The term ‘depression’ led me to believe I didn’t qualify for help. I experienced postpartum anxiety and OCD, which were not commonly discussed.”
- Postpartum mood disorders are more common than reported. While experts often claim that 10 to 15 percent of new mothers experience postpartum mood disorders, the actual prevalence may be closer to 20 percent, as noted by Mills.
- Postpartum psychosis is distinct from postpartum depression. This severe condition affects about one or two women per 1,000 and can include symptoms such as mania and hallucinations. The majority of women with postpartum mood disorders do not experience this crisis.
- Struggles are not always visible. Many mothers may appear to be coping well, even when they’re grappling with intense emotional pain. As one contributor shared, “I smiled and answered my doctor’s questions positively, but inside, I was in turmoil. I didn’t want to appear weak.”
- Postpartum depression can persist beyond the early months. Many women, like Johnson, may continue to face challenges long after their child is born. One mother expressed, “Despite my doctor’s reassurances that I would feel better by six months postpartum, I found myself still struggling and questioning when I would truly heal.”
- Women who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth also face these issues. It’s important to recognize that perinatal mood disorders can affect anyone involved in the process of parenthood, including partners and adoptive parents. A participant conveyed, “My partner also faced emotional challenges, yet she felt she shouldn’t acknowledge them since she hadn’t given birth.”
We hope that the media’s focus on postpartum depression, sparked by Johnson’s treatment, extends beyond a fleeting headline. It is vital that her story encourages countless other women to seek the help they need.
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In summary, while celebrity stories can shed light on postpartum depression, they are insufficient for comprehending the full spectrum of perinatal mood disorders. A deeper understanding and ongoing conversation are essential to ensure that all women feel supported and empowered to seek help when needed.