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

Published: June 4, 2018, 4 a.m.

You\u2019ve 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.\nIn this episode, we are hearing from Tarah, a woman who experienced postpartum psychosis after the birth of her twins. Tarah\u2019s mother, Julie, joins this chat, which is the first mother-daughter duo we\u2019ve 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\u2019s 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.\nPlease note that Tarah\u2019s 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.\xa0\xa0\nShow Highlights:\n\nTarah 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\n\nThe twins were born almost 4 weeks early and the postpartum depression began immediately\n\nJulie noticed how Tarah didn\u2019t want to hold the babies a lot and seemed disconnected and anxious\n\nThree days after the twins were born, Julie noticed that Tarah was not acting normal and took her to the hospital\n\nThe hospital gave Tarah Xanax and an antidepressant and sent her home, but the symptoms snowballed into psychotic fears and extreme anxiety\n\nTwo days later, Julie took Tarah for the 2nd visit to the ER and they admitted her to treat her exhaustion\n\nTwo 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)\n\nHow one doctor nailed the diagnosis and saved Tarah\u2019s life\n\nTarah was transported to a behavioral health hospital because she thought people were out to hurt her\n\nWhat Tarah and Julie want you to know:\n\nThis is a real condition and not made-up\n\nSomeone you know may need help and not even know it\n\nPeople are not aware of postpartum psychosis as something to look for\n\nThere are some risk factors that can help you know if you are susceptible to a postpartum psychosis or postpartum bipolar onset. Learn more here...\xa0\nResources:\nIf 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\nPostpartum Support International (PSI)\xa0www.postpartum.net\nIf you feel that your family member is experiencing some of the symptoms of postpartum psychosis, please take them to medical care immediately.\nPSI 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 michelerdavidson@gmail.com\xa0\xa0\n\xa0\nMom and Mind Connection FB Group