Breaking the Silence on Postpartum Depression and Anxiety: Sarah Ornst Bloomquist’s Story

Transitioning into parenthood can be a challenging journey, and for many, it’s marked by the unexpected struggle of postpartum depression and anxiety (PMADS).

Sarah Ornst Bloomquist shares her deeply personal experience, shedding light on the realities of perinatal mental health disorders and the urgent need for better support systems.

The Hidden Struggle

Sarah’s journey into parenthood was blindsided by postpartum depression and anxiety, leaving her grappling with physical symptoms and emotional distress. “I felt like I was screaming, help me, but people weren’t taking the time to say, okay, help you with what?” she recalls, highlighting the lack of understanding and support from healthcare providers.

PMADS often come with physical symptoms such as nausea, insomnia, and heart palpitations, which can compound the emotional toll. For Sarah, this lack of validation and comprehensive care only deepened her struggle.

A mother lies curled up on a bed, visibly struggling with the overwhelming weight of postpartum depression and its physical symptoms.

The Importance of Support

Recovery from postpartum mental health disorders requires a multifaceted approach, including medication, therapy, and peer support. Sarah emphasizes that being heard and understood by healthcare providers is critical. “I know myself, I know my body,” she shares, underlining the importance of self-advocacy and compassionate care.

Organizations like Mom’s Mental Health Initiative (MMHI), where Sarah is CEO and Co-Founder, play a vital role in bridging the gaps in care. MMHI focuses on connecting mothers with evidence-based treatments and peer support, ensuring they aren’t left to navigate their recovery alone.

Time and Systemic Change

“Time is our enemy and our friend in this process,” Sarah explains, acknowledging that while healing takes time, the wait for adequate care can be detrimental.

She calls for systemic changes in healthcare, advocating for the integration of mental and physical health services, better provider training, universal healthcare access, and follow-up care for those experiencing PMADS.

An hourglass on stones symbolizes the urgent need for systemic change, highlighting time as both an ally and adversary for birthing people.

Moving Forward

Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder that postpartum depression and anxiety are not just personal battles but public health issues. Comprehensive support systems, empathetic care, and structural changes in healthcare are essential to ensure no mother feels isolated or unheard in their journey.

By sharing her experience, Sarah inspires others to speak up, seek support, and push for the changes needed to improve the care and well-being of new parents everywhere.

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To learn more about Sarah, and Mom's Mental Health Initiative, visit their Website and Instagram account!

Catch Sarah's episode here!

*This post was created by AI, drawing on information and transcripts from Sarah's podcast episode.