Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression
by Brooke Shields

According to the American Psychiatric Association, roughly 10% of women experience at least mild postpartum depression symptoms after giving birth. Far more intense and serious than the "baby blues" common to most new mothers, postpartum depression does not just go away after a few days.

Despite these statistics, postpartum depression is not widely discussed and has come to have an element of taboo to it. Society expects mothers to be joyful over the birth of a newborn. The stereotypical mother is a loving caretaker who would never entertain thoughts of harming herself or her child. The reality of postpartum depression, however, is very far removed from this myth.

In a courageous and honest look at her experience, actress Brooke Sheilds shares the reality of postpartum depression in Down Came the Rain. After enduring a miscarriage and multiple procedures just to become pregnant, Ms. Shields certainly was overjoyed at the news of her pregnancy and like any expectant mother, looked forward to the birth. From the time of her labor and delivery, however, things were not picture perfect. From going through an unexpected Cesarian section and enduring complications afterwards, hers was not a storybook experience. Most troubling after her daughter's birth, however, was the overwhelming absence of happiness of any kind. She was consumed by a sense of despair that would not lift. Her experience was so severe and so far removed from "the blues" that both family and friends couldn't help but take note.

Her symptoms of depression ranged from a complete sense of detachment from the world to suicidal thoughts. Ms. Shields felt completely isolated, as though she were the only woman ever to struggle with these feelings. At the persistant suggestion of family members and friends, she sought help in the form of therapy and medication. Her recovery was a long process, and testament to the severity of postpartum depression. There are no instant cures, but in sharing her story so honestly, Ms. Shields provides hope for countless new mothers suffering in silence that recovery is possible. It took considerable courage to share her story, but Ms. Shields has done a great kindness to many new mothers feeling isolated and full of despair.

While it feels more like a conversation with a girlfriend than a medical account of postpartum depression, Down Came the Rain can be a powerful source of hope to any new mom struggling with life after giving birth.

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About the Author : Catie Hayes is founder/editor of WomanLinks.com; a community of support, spirituality, growth and empowerment for women. She is a freelance writer, the single homeschooling mom of two, and an avid fan of laughter, spontaneous dancing, cats and chocolate (not necessarily in that order).