Brooke Shields Awarded JMH Postpartum Depression Award
In 2006, the Foundation awarded the first Jennifer Mudd Houghtaling Postpartum Depression Award to Brooke Shields for her work to spread awareness about postpartum depression. Her book, "Down Came the Rain," chronicled her personal experience fighting this disease. She has appeared on the Oprah Show, The Today Show and The View to spread awareness and to help other women who might be suffering from postpartum depression. We applaud you, Brooke, for your courage. Keep up the good work!
March 23, 2006
I'm sorry not to be able to be with you this evening but have a very valid excuse.
I'm pleased that events such as these are coming to the forefront of our consciousness. For too long, women and families have had to suffer in silence. Postpartum Depression is an illness. It is a serious disease that affects not just mothers, but entire families as well as loved ones.
For a long time I refused to believe I had Postpartum Depression. Thankfully, I was made to admit it and to get help. Women should not feel ashamed or in any way at fault, nor should they or their partners feel the need to "power-through" such a devastating affliction without the help of family, friends and the guidance of a medical professional.
There is a tremendous lack of screening by OBs for Postpartum Depression. I encourage women and healthcare providers to insist on screening for Postpartum Depression. Even without any family history or obvious predisposition to Postpartum Depression, a woman can be attacked by this debilitating disease. It's up to us to recognize the symptoms and take the initiative to seek the help and the treatment that is available and individually appropriate.
If you feel you are at risk for if someone you know or love appears to be suffering, please, please, please speak up. Ask for help and information. Being proactive can be the difference between life and death.
Thank you to Dr. and Mrs. Charles Mudd. Their experience serves as a reminder that untreated, Postpartum Depression can have a devastating outcome. My prayers are with them and my heart goes out to them and to the countless others who have suffered needlessly. I thank Dr. Charles and Joan Mudd and Chaz and Roger Ebert for their crusade to educate and help others.
I am truly sorry not to be there in person but I thank you sincerely for honoring me.
Brooke Shields |
