Postpartum depression IS NOT the same as the baby blues. It just isn’t. Postpartum is probably one of the least accepted of mental illnesses because people think it’s not that serious, or that it will go away quickly. Here is what most people don’t know. A major symptom of postpartum is that the mother has thoughts of doing harm to herself and/or baby. This is one major symptom that separates postpartum baby blues and postpartum depression. Once people learn this, they begin to think differently about how serious the disease is.
So many women are ashamed to admit that they have experienced or experiencing postpartum depression. Many don’t seek treatment and suffer with the illness alone. Recently, Love and Hip Hop Atlanta star, Rasheeda Frost shared her experience with people.com.
Here is why Rasheeda’s voice is important to the conversation about postpartum depression within the African-American community.
- Postpartum depression doesn’t discriminate.
It doesn’t matter who you are or how famous you are, anyone can experience postpartum depression. Rasheeda is a self-proclaimed “boss”. She is successful. She is multi-talented. And most of all, she is driven. But still, postpartum depression stopped this “tough cookie” in her tracks.
- Women need to seek medical assistance early.
There are several reasons African-American women need to be more aware about depression, including postpartum depression. I discuss this in a previous blog post. Many Black people simply don’t go to the doctor. Rasheeda admits to dealing with her symptoms by herself. And, “When [she] couldn’t take it anymore, [she] spoke to [her] doctor and found out [she] had postpartum depression”. Listen, don’t wait until you can’t take it anymore. Visit a doctor as soon as you realize something is wrong. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can treat your illness.
- Medical assistance doesn’t mean medication.
Rasheeda chose to use natural remedies to deal with her postpartum depression. I like that she mentions this option because so many women in the African-American community are against taking antidepressants. Doctors can assist you in helping you find out what will work best for you. Rasheeda’s success plan included diet and exercise, setting boundaries and spiritual growth through prayer and meditation.
“I want to speak out for those who cannot speak up for themselves, and give them hope so they are comforted in knowing they are not alone and can take their life back. I want to shatter the stigma associated with postpartum depression, helping to raise awareness and educate women about what is really going on with them and shedding light on the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression and treatment options.”
I Press On, let’s welcome Rasheeda Frost to the movement! And as always, let’s press on together!