Out of the Darkness: Postpartum Depression Is Not Something We Can Fight Alone [Paperback]

Sheila MacDonald (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 23, 2002

I am not a doctor, a husband, a well-known person, or a psychiatrist. I am a woman who is just one of thousands who suffer every day with postpartum depression. My story is associated with feelings and the truth about postpartum depression that some women are afraid to tell. I realize there are several books available on the market, but in my opinion they do not justify a woman's anguish or thoughts. I am taking a chance by opening my heart and soul to help women who are suffering from this debilitating disease, which as we have seen could be fatal to children and women. The press that has covered postpartum depression lately, mainly the Andrea Yates murder trial, will definitely push women deeper into the hole, because one might think that every postpartum depression case is the same. I feel the medical profession, women, men, health care providers, and the psychiatry field could benefit from the truth about women suffering from postpartum depression.

Editorial Reviews

Review

. . .articulates the depth of emotional sorrow and agony. . . and then expresses her joy and relief when she finds answers. . . -- Jane Honikman, M.S. Postpartum Social Support Movement 12/20/02

Product Details

• Paperback: 51 pages
• Publisher: PublishAmerica (September 23, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591297931
• ISBN-13: 978-1591297932
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,800,302 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Only a few mothers have exposed their terrifying Journey!, June 13, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Out of the Darkness: Postpartum Depression Is Not Something We Can Fight Alone (Paperback)

Founding Director of Postpartum Support International
It is a great pleasure for me to recommend "Out of the Darkness, Postpartum Depression Is Not Something We Can Fight Alone" to anyone who wants to learn the truth about this devastating disorder. Sheila MacDonald has opened her heart and soul to share her personal story about surviving postpartum depression. She is a brave woman. Only a few other mothers have exposed their terrifying journey in this manner. In my capacity as Founding Director of Postpartum Support International, I have spoken and corresponded with thousands of pregnant and postpartum mothers from all walks of life. Each one's story is unique. And yet, there is a common thread that Sheila's story captures. She articulates the depth of emotional sorrow and agony while in denial about her illness and then expresses her joy and relief when she finds answers in her quest for help. The Postpartum Social Support Movement is still in its infancy. Those who contribute to the development of knowledge and increase awareness about postpartum depression are true pioneers. Sheila MacDonald is among the growing network of individuals who are helping us to eliminate the denial and ignorance that surrounds the myth of motherhood. Thank you, Sheila!
Jane Honikman, M.S.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This short book packs a wallop..., February 12, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Out of the Darkness: Postpartum Depression Is Not Something We Can Fight Alone (Paperback)

Reviewed by Denise M. Clark
Denise's Pieces Author Site & Book Reviews
...P>Not so very long ago, the depression or `let-down' feeling many women experienced following the birth of a child was called `the baby blues' - and was often said with a shrug and a grin. But after the term was renamed `Postpartum Depression' and the Susan Smith case gained national attention for the condition, society has begun to realize that this mental state not only exists, but it also has far-reaching consequences that can result in tragedy.
Ms. MacDonald has written a true first-person account of her struggle with the condition and how she overcame intense and out-of-control feelings of resentment, mental and physical exhaustion, fear... and hatred. Next came feelings of guilt and shame... followed by thoughts of suicide. Her faith gave her the strength to fight the demon trying to take over her life, and her courage in sharing her story is capable of helping others through the dark torment of PPD. Her narrative comes straight from the heart and is a no holds barred confession of how she went from a happy and contented mother to a state of enraged darkness. This short book packs a wallop, and its impact is emotional. With her story, Ms. MacDonald shares with the reader a horrifying state of mind, an experience that many of us, thank goodness, will never have to partake. But for those who may find themselves at the crossroads, this book offers hope and compassionate understanding. At end of this personal narrative, the author includes a list of valuable resources for those seeking help or information on this all-to-real condition, making this personal experience an essential asset to any mother-to-be's reading shelf... just in case.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One Woman Sharing Her Experience, Strength and Hope!, March 12, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Out of the Darkness: Postpartum Depression Is Not Something We Can Fight Alone (Paperback)

This book took me on a journey through the mind of one woman sharing her cycle in postpartum depression. From the beginning of this book, the author shared her stages of darkness, isolation, anger, intrusive thoughts, fear, suicide thoughts, childhood memories, shame, guilt etc...I admire her courage for allowing the public to see into her mind!