Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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!

"One woman's story of her experience with postpartum depression. Every person who has ever come in contact with postpartum depression, including husbands and friends who have witnessed a mother's suffering, will benefit from Sheila's raw description of finding herself in it's grips. Her ability to reach out through the anonymity of internet message boards is an eye-opener to mental heath professionals who may minimize the potential for new age technology to help people in distress begin to reach out for help." Gayle Peterson, MSSW,PhD Family Therapist

Author, "An Easier Childbirth" and "Making Healthy Families"

Its been 5 years since my experience with "Postpartum Depression," the words still haunt me.
Unless you have suffered this disease you cannot understand the pain one suffers alone. For all of you that are suffering in silence, please reach out and tell someone.

sheilamacdonald@shaw.ca

Being a man, I cannot directly relate to the underlying insidiousness of this disease. What I can understand and appreciate is that it took great courage for Sheila McDonald to bare her innermost feelings on this subject of Postpartum Depression. Sheila, I'm sure it will help countless others who share your pain, just to realize they are not alone. Thank you for sharing. Our best wishes for your complete recovery.

"One woman's story of her experience with postpartum depression. Every person who has ever come in contact with postpartum depression, including husbands and friends who have witnessed a mother's suffering, will benefit from Sheila's raw description of finding herself in it's grips. Her ability to reach out through the anonymity of internet message boards is an eye-opener to mental heath professionals who may minimize the potential for new age technology to help people in distress begin to reach out for help." Gayle Peterson, MSSW,PhD Family Therapist

Author, "An Easier Childbirth" and "Making Healthy Families"

A valuable, gutsy sharing of a little acknowledged and generally medically ignored illness, admittedly heretofore unknown by me. What an eye opener. Although without firsthand experience, the account wrenched my heart, and I cried... a lot. Awareness can be the beginning of understanding, and for this awareness I thank Ms. MacDonald.

A valuable, gutsy sharing of a little acknowledged and generally medically ignored illness, admittedly heretofore unknown by me. What an eye opener. Although without firsthand experience, the account wrenched my heart, and I cried... a lot. Awareness can be the beginning of understanding, and for this awareness I thank Ms. MacDonald.