Typically when I've spoken with someone who opposes the Mother's Act, that person has never actually read the bill or has misinterpreted the meaning of the bill. The Mother's Act is about education and research, not medication - contrary to the fear mongers' rhetoric. The portrayal of the issue in the TIME article was not only misleading to the public, it was inaccurate on many points.
For instance, although the Mother's Act does not mandate screening, the use of validated screening tools are excellent and effective barometers. Screening is not used for diagnosis but rather highlight potential problems so that appropriate supports are then made available to aid in the prevention of postpartum depression. I was never screened nor offered any type of support, thus I suffered years of life-threatening depression after the births of both my children.
Pregnancy and postpartum are the periods when women are at their highest risk for developing mood and anxiety disorders, sometimes for the very first time. A history of depression (or other mood or anxiety disorder) makes her higher risk, but no woman is immune. This article was biased at best, and potentially damaging. It's essential that those of us in the know speak our hearts.
Dr. Shoshana Bennett
Clinical Psychologist, Keynote Speaker
Author, Postpartum Depression For Dummies
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Typically when I've spoken with someone who opposes the Mother's Act, that person has never actually read the bill or has misinterpreted the meaning of the bill. The Mother's Act is about education and research, not medication - contrary to the fear mongers' rhetoric. The portrayal of the issue in the TIME article was not only misleading to the public, it was inaccurate on many points.
For instance, although the Mother's Act does not mandate screening, the use of validated screening tools are excellent and effective barometers. Screening is not used for diagnosis but rather highlight potential problems so that appropriate supports are then made available to aid in the prevention of postpartum depression. I was never screened nor offered any type of support, thus I suffered years of life-threatening depression after the births of both my children.
Pregnancy and postpartum are the periods when women are at their highest risk for developing mood and anxiety disorders, sometimes for the very first time. A history of depression (or other mood or anxiety disorder) makes her higher risk, but no woman is immune. This article was biased at best, and potentially damaging. It's essential that those of us in the know speak our hearts.
Dr. Shoshana Bennett
July 18, 2009 - 8:50amClinical Psychologist, Keynote Speaker
Author, Postpartum Depression For Dummies
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