Hello,
Our family experienced a tragedy. My wife died of un-diagnosed postpartum depression. Her death was by suicide. I am creating this site to inform others that postpartum depression can be deadly. That postpartum depression is a normal complication of pregnancy, but that it is the leading cause of death due to pregnancy. We were not aware of this.
If you are or have been pregnant, postpartum depression can make you feel like a shitty mom, overwhelmed, anxious, alone, hopeless, thinking of killing yourself. This is not your fault. You didn’t do anything wrong. Please don’t feel ashamed. You just need the help of a professional trained in maternal mental health.
You can find resources here:
Our story is here:
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/6014808-181/a-widowed-father-encourages-more
and here:
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a43999/postpartum-depression-elizabeth-greg-ludlam/
there is a video here, Joy of 2020mom was kind enough to let me speak. Its around minute 12:
http://www.2020mom.org/ca-task-force/
My intent is not to scare. My intent is to act.
To create awareness. To try and prevent another tragedy.
Sincerely,
Greg Ludlam
PS. This is a website put together in haste. I am hoping to add to it, but for now this is it. If you need more info, please use the link to Postpartum Support International, the first link above. If you have personal stories of postpartum depression, comments, or other input I would be glad to receive it. I believe there is a comment section below, and I hope to set up an email as well.