The Post-Postpartum Depression Blog

A new web series called “Susanna” is fictional, but it depicts the real problems of postpartum depression. The show stars Anna Paquin of “True Blood” fame and is shown on the YouTube channel WIGS. I’m excited about the new series, as it appears to be an amazing opportunity to provide education and accurate information about postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. In addition, it may provide a means to help women by connecting them to the nonprofit group, Postpartum Support International.

Jon Avnet, who is the writer and director, is quoted in a CBSNews.com report as saying, “What struck me is how prevalent it is and how no one talks about it. Part of what made me feel this was worth doing was I think every mother experiences fear and terror very rapidly in the best of circumstances. There’s no license to be a mother, no simple course, and you’re fortunate you have a friends and family support system.”

Paquin explained her character: “(Kate) is a single, first-time mother. The dad is kind of nowhere in the picture. She is not really holding it together very well. She’s incredibly depressed and anxious that something terrible is going to happen to her child. She is falling apart, and she doesn’t have so much support.”

Birdie Meyer, Past President and currently, Education and Training Chair at Postpartum Support International, is quoted in the same CBSNews.com report. She said, “most people assume that mood changes after giving birth typically manifest as depression. But, postpartum depression is actually only one of the disorders around childbirth.”

Avnet said he was inspired to create the 12-part series after he talked to an actress he had worked with, who revealed she had gone through postpartum depression. Avnet hopes that the series will help some women recognize if they are experiencing these problems to seek help. At the end of each episode, they remind people that there are organizations like Postpartum Support International, and they can reach out for support if they need it.

~ by ppdsus on July 11, 2013.

Posted in National women's initiatives, Paternal Postnatal Depression, postpartum depression
Tags: depression and anxiety disorders, Inspirational stories & positive changes, National women's initiatives, new parents adjustment, Paternal Postnatal Depression, perinatal disorders, postpartum depression, women's mental health, you gotta have friends