by Becky Vieira posted in Parenting

She did everything she was supposed to. At her postpartum checkup she was honest. Depression. Fits of anger. But no desire to harm herself of her child, she explained. She wanted help and medication. Instead the cops were called on her and she was escorted to the hospital.
This was my biggest fear. It was Jessica Porten?s reality. Her story enraged me, as it did many others. I cried for her. Shook in anger. And thought to myself, ?that could have been me.?
I stayed silent in my battle with postpartum depression because of fear. That I?d be hospitalized. Lose custody of my child. Or simply have the thoughts in my head confirmed: that I was a terrible mother and my son deserved better.
I stayed silent until I had no choice but to find my voice and use it. For my son. And me. I do wonder if hearing Porten?s story would have impacted my decision to seek help. I worry there are moms right this minute who are staying quiet. If so, I have one thing to say to all of you: Don?t remain silent.
Porten?s story is important. It shines a very bright and necessary light on the current state of PPD treatment. I understand that doctors have a lot to be responsible for, but it's infuriating how many ob-gyns are dismissive towards PPD. I've had countless women write me on Instagram (where I chronicle my PPD journey) and say their doctor told them to buck up, or that it was just the baby blues and to get a night of sleep.
My doctor saved my life. She hug...