102: A Personal Story of Postpartum Psychosis with Tarah and Julie

You’ve heard of postpartum depression, but have you heard of postpartum psychosis? Do you know the difference and how to recognize the signs and symptoms? We are talking about a very difficult mental condition that can wreak havoc on a new mother, her baby, and her family. Fortunately, there are signs to look for and ways you can help if someone you know might be experiencing this rare condition. In this episode, we are hearing from Tarah, a woman who experienced postpartum psychosis after the birth of her twins. Tarah’s mother, Julie, joins this chat, which is the first mother-daughter duo we’ve had on the show to talk about the postpartum experience. One or two out of 1000 women will experience a postpartum psychosis, and while it’s very rare, it is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. Most people have been misled to think that postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis are synonymous, but they are not. Psychosis is a break from shared reality and is an emergency situation that looks very different from postpartum depression. Please note that Tarah’s story may be sensitive for some listeners and is not necessarily what all moms with postpartum psychosis experience. Resources for support are available and listed below.   Show Highlights: Tarah married in 2007 and began trying to have a baby in 2009. After Clomid and two miscarriages, she experienced a textbook pregnancy with her twins The twins were born almost 4 weeks early and the postpartum depression began immediately Julie noticed how Tarah didn’t want to hold the babies a lot and seemed disconnected and anxious Three days after the twins were born, Julie noticed that Tarah was not acting normal and took her to the hospital The hospital gave Tarah Xanax and an antidepressant and sent her home, but the symptoms snowballed into psychotic fears and extreme anxiety Two days later, Julie took Tarah for the 2nd visit to the ER and they admitted her to treat her exhaustion Two hours after Julie went home to rest, the hospital called to say Tarah had jumped through a window to escape (she was later found, bleeding, wandering around the parking lot) How one doctor nailed the diagnosis and saved Tarah’s life Tarah was transported to a behavioral health hospital because she thought people were out to hurt her What Tarah and Julie want you to know: This is a real condition and not made-up Someone you know may need help and not even know it People are not aware of postpartum psychosis as something to look for There are some risk factors that can help you know if you are susceptible to a postpartum psychosis or postpartum bipolar onset. Learn more here...  Resources: If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, please reach out to a local organization that supports postpartum women or reach out to Postpartum Support International (PSI) for information Postpartum Support International (PSI) www.postpartum.net If you feel that your family member is experiencing some of the symptoms of postpartum psychosis, please take them to medical care immediately. PSI also has a specialized support coordinator, providing non-emergency support to women and families dealing with postpartum psychosis: Michele Davidson, PhD, CNM, CFN, RN--703-298-3247 or [email protected]     Mom and Mind Connection FB Group