This article by a mom who clearly has absolutely no idea what she’s talking about really annoys me. Thank goodness I have her to tell me about an illness that she doesn’t think exists since she’s never experienced it. Genius. (I wonder if she believes in cancer or diabetes?) Let me give you a few highlights:

” … With the newfangled Brooke Shields-mental-health-prostitution, many new moms read her book and say, “That’s me!” And then the moms jump on the post-partum depression bandwagon themselves, along with the little pills that supposedly cure the depression …”

” … As trumped up illnesses such as post-partum depression continue to make women feel as though we’re victims, we will spend our time talking in support groups instead of fighting for our dwindling freedoms …”

I share this, of course, because it’s an example of the stigma and ignorance that exists about mental illnesses, and in this case perinatal mood disorders. It makes me sad. I have a hard time accepting the smugness of people who are convinced they have complete control over their mental state, or that a good walk will shake off a deep depression. Perhaps Ms. Shore has a medical degree that we’re not aware of??

I agree with the premise that every illness doesn’t require medication. But the truth is, no doctor or mental health industry or advertisement or any other such thing made me think or do anything. I made the choices about being treated, working with my doctor, and I recovered. I am neither weak nor uneducated. Ms. Shore, I’d be more than happy to compare my intelligence level and accomplishments in life with yours. I think, despite my experience with postpartum depression, you’d be quite surprised.

Being concerned about the government’s involvement with medical screenings is one thing, but making light of postpartum mood disorders? Not very cool.