Minority Mental Health Month: Laquanda's Story

Trigger warning: mention of psychiatric disabilities and related symptoms
Continuing Able SC’s recognition of Minority Mental Health Month, we are pleased to share a powerful recovery story from our colleague, Laquanda Clark.

Laquanda is a middle-aged Black woman, a burn survivor, and a member of the Deaf community. She experienced postpartum depression after the birth of both her children.

"Postpartum" means the time after having a baby. Some people feel sad, worried, or tired in the days after giving birth, known as the "baby blues." These feelings usually go away within a few days. But if they last more than 2 weeks, it might be postpartum depression, which is not a normal part of motherhood.

Postpartum depression is a serious condition that affects your mind and body. It makes sad and hopeless feelings stay and can disrupt your daily life. You might not feel connected to your baby, or you might not feel love or care for them. These feelings can range from mild to severe.

Two months after her first child was born, Laquanda felt extremely sad. She wasn't enjoying motherhood and felt anxious whenever her daughter was out of sight. Her husband and family noticed she wasn't doing well and encouraged her to talk to her obstetrician (the doctor that delivered her baby). The doctor told her that postpartum depression is common and prescribed medication to help. Once she started the medication, her depression eased, and she began to enjoy motherhood.

When her second child was born, Laquanda experienced postpartum depression again, but with different symptoms. She didn't want to hold her baby, cried a lot, and felt sleepy all the time. She just wanted to stay in bed. Again, she sought help from her doctor, who prescribed medication. This time, she decided to stay on the medication after the postpartum period because her anxiety increased after the second birth.

Laquanda’s tips for recovering from postpartum depression:

Ask your family for help and support – you don’t have to do it all alone.

Learn about your depression to understand what’s happening with your mind and body. Knowing more can help you feel stronger and more in control!

Get help and support from your obstetrician – they are experienced with treating postpartum depression. If you don’t receive the care you need, change doctors!