A week after my second child arrived, I found myself locked away in my closet, engulfed in despair. The sound of my baby’s cries echoed from outside, but my own sobs drowned them out. I felt utterly overwhelmed, and in that moment, retreating into the darkness of my closet felt like the only option. I chastised myself—“What’s wrong with you? You’re a horrible mother!”—yet I was paralyzed by the weight of my new responsibilities, and it was terrifying.
Fortunately, my episode was short-lived; I experienced the fleeting “baby blues” that many mothers encounter. However, for a significant number of women—about 1 in 5, according to statistics—the struggle is much more severe. The feelings can persist, intensifying until they consume every aspect of their lives. Tragically, some may even face the urge to harm themselves or their children. The stigma surrounding mental health, particularly among mothers, often keeps these women silent, wrestling with emotions they feel they can’t share.
We fear revealing our struggles, worried that others will see us as failures or inadequate. However, this silence only perpetuates the suffering experienced by those battling postpartum depression (PPD).
Documentary Insight
In the eye-opening documentary When The Bough Breaks, we follow the journey of Sarah Mitchell, who has been fighting PPD for six years since the birth of her son. Alongside producers Emily Carter and Lisa Reynolds, Sarah aims to shed light on the urgent need for candid conversations about PPD and its more severe counterpart, postpartum psychosis (PPP). This powerful film offers a visceral glimpse into the hidden struggles many mothers face.
The documentary, narrated by actress Brooke Shields, reveals that PPD and PPP can affect mothers from all walks of life, transcending cultural and socioeconomic boundaries. Mother’s testimonials, including those from notable figures like chef Maya Patel and singer Vanessa Green, echo sentiments familiar to any caregiver:
- “I felt completely overwhelmed.”
- “I wanted to escape my responsibilities.”
- “I was consumed with self-doubt.”
- “I can’t cope. I just want my life back.”
As the darkness of PPD deepens, the thoughts can become even more distressing:
- “She would be better off with someone else as her mother.”
- “I knew I should bond with my baby, but I couldn’t bring myself to smile.”
- “I couldn’t find the strength to care for her, and I didn’t want to.”
Doula Rachel Smith poignantly compares PPD to a barrier between a mother and her child: “Even when you hold them, the connection feels absent.”
The Overlooked Complication
Despite being a common complication, PPD remains largely overlooked, even by healthcare providers. OB-GYNs focus on the physical aspects of recovery, while pediatricians concentrate on the baby. As a result, mothers’ mental health often goes unaddressed.
After childbirth, the body and mind are under immense strain—nutritional deficits, unrelenting stress, sleep deprivation, hormonal fluctuations, and the physical aftermath of delivery. Yet, unlike other surgeries or medical recoveries, new mothers are expected to bounce back immediately and take on the full responsibility of childcare.
In many cultures, such as in parts of Asia, new mothers receive extensive support from family and friends for weeks, allowing them to rest and adjust. Unfortunately, in our society, many new mothers experience isolation, which can have dire consequences for those grappling with PPD or PPP.
“There’s nothing more crucial for a new mother in distress than the support of her community,” Sarah emphasizes. “It’s vital to show them that they’re not alone. PPD is a lonely illness, and it often leads mothers to isolate themselves, pushing away friends and family.”
A simple gesture of support can mean the world to someone struggling. “Just being there can make a difference,” she advises. “Offer help—whether it’s bringing over meals or babysitting so the mother can rest. Most importantly, communicate your unwavering support.”
Recognizing Symptoms
Symptoms of PPD can include insomnia, loss of appetite, obsessive thoughts, and feelings of inadequacy. While many mothers recognize something is amiss, they often internalize the blame. In cases of PPP, mothers may not even realize their thoughts are skewed, leading to tragic actions against themselves or their children.
When The Bough Breaks is an eye-opening exploration of these conditions and their impact on seemingly stable women. The film recounts heartbreaking stories from mothers who have suffered the ultimate loss due to PPP, as well as the grief felt by families left behind.
Sarah’s research and interviews have reshaped her understanding of PPP. “These are ordinary people grappling with pain and, in some cases, profound loss due to this relentless illness,” she shares.
One poignant story is that of Naomi Brooks, who, despite battling PPD and PPP, served ten years in prison for the death of her infant daughter, Lily. Her heartbreaking narrative is captured in the film. After her release, she became an advocate for Postpartum Support International, determined to raise awareness about these disorders. Tragically, she lost her own battle with depression, taking her life shortly after her interview.
Amplifying Voices
It’s essential to amplify the voices of those who feel unheard, conveying a vital message: they are not alone, and help is available. Various treatments—ranging from therapy to acupuncture and medication—can alleviate PPD symptoms, and no one should fear judgment for seeking assistance.
Sarah urges us to remember the real stories behind the perfect images typically portrayed on social media. “Sharing our truths encourages others to open up,” she notes. It’s crucial to destigmatize these conversations, as honesty about struggles can guide someone else through their own.
If you or someone you know is facing postpartum depression or similar challenges, there are resources available. You can explore the insightful content on this blog about home insemination and its relevance to motherhood, or check out more information on the topic from Make a Mom and WebMD.
When The Bough Breaks is currently accessible on various streaming platforms, including Netflix and iTunes, making it available to audiences worldwide.
Summary
When The Bough Breaks is a poignant documentary that sheds light on the often-silent struggles of postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. By sharing real stories from mothers, the film emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and community support for those affected. Despite the commonality of these conditions, they remain largely overlooked, highlighting the need for awareness and understanding.