It is estimated that the reported rate of clinical postpartum depression among women is between 10%-20% of all live births, which is a lot of moms and yet so many moms wait a significant amount of time to seek help, if ever. PPD is topic that we are starting to see more often in the news, but the Patient Leaders you’ll meet this week aren’t waiting for everyone else to catch on — they’re on a mission to help moms everywhere NOW! While PPD is still something a lot of moms keep undercover, these wonderful women are sharing their experiences and their knowledge so that no one has to experience PPD alone. Take a peek this week at their social channels, give them a follow and a high-five for the brave work they’re doing.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Cindy Lee Herrick
PPD Patient Leader
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
“I’m an advocate for maternal mental health because I remember how devastating, frightening and heartbreaking it was to walk the path of a pregnant woman and then a new mom suffering from mental illness alone. While I sometimes tell the dark chapters of my story to shed light on gaps in the current healthcare system, I share my experience because it is ultimately a story of hope and recovery. I hope by leading by example, I can help others come out from the darkness of shame and stigma and stand proudly in the light as survivors and advocates.”
Meagan Scheuerman
PPD Patient Leader
Website | Facebook | Instagram
“I always wanted to be a mom and knew I was going to be awesome at it. When I didn’t feel the way I expected to after my son was born, I never in a million years thought I had postpartum depression. I just assumed life sucked now and that I had made a huge mistake. I had misconceptions about depression so I didn’t recognize the symptoms in myself. It wasn’t until my son was nearly a year old that I realized I needed to seek help. I share my story so that other women know that they are not alone and to strip away the stigma of maternal mental health issues. ”
Brooke and Jen
PPD Patient Leaders
Website | Facebook | Instagram
“We advocate for survivors because PPD is a maternal epidemic that’s destroying moms. Hiding it doesn’t help. Shaming it doesn’t help. Ignoring it doesn’t help. The only thing that can help is holding her hand and helping through her experience. And if we don’t educate and bring awareness to this illness affecting 1 in 5 new moms, she won’t know that what she’s going through it so common and temporary with treatment. We wish we had found this support during our battles with PPD. Now we want to be that support for the moms who come after us. That’s what we do. That’s our mission. ”
If you’re feeling inspired by these top Patient Leaders, you should join our network!
When you join our Patient Leader Network you’re first to know about the new and exciting things we’re doing at WEGO Health. Not only will we reach out to you when we have paid opportunities in your condition area, but we’ll also connect you with other Patient Leaders so you can share ideas and help each other amplify your messages. What are you waiting for? Join today!
Did you miss our last #FollowFriday? You can catch up here!
