Latest news with #postpartumdepression
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Bold and The Beautiful's Rebecca Budig Reveals Which Soap Exit Affected Her Most
The Bold and The Beautiful's Rebecca Budig Reveals Which Soap Exit Affected Her Most originally appeared on Daytime Confidential. Rebecca Budig (Taylor, The Bold and the Beautiful) sat down with NBC Montana to chat about her decades of experience on soap operas, as part of promoting her new sudser-centric podcast, Soapy. Budig has come and gone from several daytime dramas over the years, but which exit impacted her the most? Her answer may surprise you. Budig revealed that her departure from the role of Hayden Barnes on General Hospital affected her most. She explained: I would instantly go to [All My Children's] Greenlee, but I think General Hospital playing Hayden. I was going through so much in my own life because I was like postpartum depression and anxiety, and then I worked with Michael [Easton, Finn], who encouraged me to write about it. And then I wrote it, and I shot a short film. The Guiding Light alum added that she suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety until her daughter, Charlotte, was between three-and-a-half and four years old. Budig welcomed her only child with husband Michael Benson in 2014. This story was originally reported by Daytime Confidential on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
CBC
3 days ago
- Health
- CBC
I was a new mother in a new country. When dark thoughts came, I was afraid to voice them
This First Person article is the experience of Joana Valamootoo, who's originally from Mauritius and now lives in Regina. For more information about CBC's First Person stories, please see the FAQ. This story is part of Welcome to Canada, a CBC News series about immigration told through the eyes of the people who have experienced it. There was a chill in the air on the autumn day when I finally found the courage to ask my husband to take me to the emergency room. All week, constant dark and intrusive thoughts had been chasing me, telling me to end my life and hurt my baby, while my whole body was feeling intense physical pain. As a new mother in a new country, it was hard to ask for help. I wondered, "What if they decide to take my baby away from me? What will my family think of me? What will my husband think of me? Am I a bad mother?" I'd grown up in Mauritius where admitting mental health struggles came with a huge stigma. I'd never heard of postpartum depression and didn't know that was what I was experiencing. For weeks, I'd been keeping all my innermost thoughts a secret. It was like living a double life where I had to fake my happiness and contentment as a new mother when I was around other people. But every night, the intrusive thoughts would come and haunt my existence. Not a joyful birthing experience When I had first found out I was pregnant about a year prior, I was happy beyond words and felt I was going to be a good mother. That feeling lasted all the way up until the time my partner and I walked hand-in-hand through the empty corridor at the hospital in the early morning, looking forward to meeting our little person. After my son was born and brought to me, I was expecting to feel love and excitement, the joy of a new mother. Instead, I felt nothing — only emptiness. My son was colicky, and with my husband away working long hours, I felt lonely. I was operating on little to no sleep. I began to feel as though there was something in the house — some not-human presence that was watching me — and became convinced something evil came with my son when he was born. Then one day, two months after his birth, I found myself changing my son's diaper when he looked up and smiled at me. I felt immense joy and sadness at the same time. How could I not feel love for that tiny angel? In that moment, I felt the emotional connection that I'd been longing for, and told myself, "He is my baby. The baby I was singing to everyday when he was in my belly, the baby I had been waiting to meet." Even still, the dark fog of intrusive thoughts didn't lift. Every day, I would take my son on long walks to clear my mind, but those thoughts continued to haunt me for about eight months after his birth. That was the point I finally told my husband I needed help. He, too, had never heard about postpartum depression and hadn't understood why I was crying so much. Like me, he was scared of our child being taken from us. But after having seen the intensity of my postpartum psychosis, he agreed we needed help. When we went to see the doctor at the emergency room that day, I finally got the courage to express everything on my mind. Tears gathered in my eyes as I spoke, but I felt free. With the warmest eyes, the doctor took my hand in his and said with a low voice, "It's not your fault. You are experiencing postpartum depression, and we will help you." He explained to my husband that I have postpartum depression and the pain I was experiencing was also a symptom of depression. I was later diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a health condition that can also cause pain and fatigue. I was prescribed counselling, as well as medication to help me cope with both my mental disorder and fibromyalgia. After so many months of living in fear and pain, I was getting the help I needed. I was finally feeling the joy of life again. I realized that if only I had been strong enough in the beginning to ask for help, I would not have suffered for months living with the crippling effect of depression. I want other new mothers who may be struggling to know what I faced, so they know they are not alone, and that they too can find help. When my husband and I welcomed our second child into the world, I felt instant love for her. This time, I understood what so many other mothers have said they felt after giving birth. Meeting that kind doctor got me the help I needed to claim my life back. Ten years later, I still live with a chronic health condition and mental health challenges, but now, I look at my children and feel a rush of protectiveness — the love that I first felt when I changed my son's diaper and saw him smiling at me. I'm here every day not just for myself, but for them.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Traditional Postpartum Depression Treatments Failed Them. Then They Tried Psychedelics...
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." A few days before Nohea gave birth to her second baby, in 2016, the now 40-year-old from Texas had a strong sense of foreboding. She'd struggled through severe postpartum depression (PPD) with her first child and felt palpable dread when she realized it was also happening with her second. 'I had enough awareness to know that I couldn't do this again—not to my partner, my son, or myself.' She tried talk therapy, but it didn't help her properly process her emotions. 'I felt like my body was in a constant state of vibration, like pins and needles: irritating, painful. I felt so much guilt and shame, like I should be enjoying this.' She didn't want to take prescription medications, and that's when her sister, a military veteran, made a surprising suggestion: to try psychedelic mushrooms, or psilocybin—the active compound in magic mushrooms. The fungi, which have long been used by Indigenous cultures in religious and healing ceremonies, can affect perceptions of reality and potentially even alter your sense of self, time, and space. You might hallucinate or see enhanced shapes, textures, and colors. Often, people report feeling euphoria or bliss. Yet while some trips are incredible and rapturous, others can be frightening and intense, or evoke both sets of emotions. When her son was 8 months old, Nohea sat in a rocking chair with him one evening and drank tea made from 3.5 grams of mushrooms. Her husband had the baby monitor in the next room, in case she needed help. 'I was calm and felt very curious and receptive. I went into it with the intention of connecting with my baby,' she says. As the psilocybin took effect, Nohea felt weightless, as if she were floating. She began to see images when she closed her eyes, including an octopus that seemed to have her baby's eyes. She remembers asking her son to show her what he needed. It felt as if he were taking her 'on an adventure into the sea,' she says, 'showing me smells, colors, and images of things that made him feel safe and happy.' Despite a boom in research into psychedelics in recent years, with studies showing real potential for psilocybin in treating severe depression, PTSD, and substance-use disorders, the postpartum period has largely been neglected. New moms are considered particularly tricky subjects—they might pass along substances to their babies through breast milk, and their hormonal shifts during this postpartum period make controlled studies difficult, as those shifts could affect the results. These concerns are understandably heightened when you're dealing with a psychedelic drug, which could impact a mom's serotonin levels and potentially harm a newborn's neurodevelopment. But now, Reunion Neuroscience, a New Jersey–based company, is sponsoring the first-ever U.S.-based study on psychedelic treatment for postpartum depression. Prior 'data' about psilocybin's efficacy in treating PPD has been purely anecdotal—women desperately seeking anything that can help after existing solutions failed them. This study will use a synthesized psychedelic called RE104 that is very similar to psilocybin but with faster, shorter hallucinogenic effects (psilocybin trips can last up to six hours; RE104 lasts less than four hours). The randomized controlled trial will have 72 participants at 35 sites across the U.S.—and require that the women not be currently breastfeeding. Results are expected in the second half of 2025. If it is successful, it will hopefully lead to larger trials in the future. It'll likely be years before this promising treatment becomes commercially available. In the meantime, postpartum women like Nohea are taking matters into their own hands and trying mushrooms at home. The online community Moms on Mushrooms, which has around 4,000 members, offers advice on taking mushrooms. Last year, a group called Mothers of the Mushroom surveyed 411 mothers about why they take psilocybin. Relief from anxiety and depression were two of the main reasons. Many women also said they felt a greater sense of calm, an uplifted mood, reduced stress, and enhanced emotional resilience. Connection, emotional bonding, and feeling in sync with their children were the primary reported benefits, setting it apart from other treatment options. For the one in seven women who struggle with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression, the symptoms range from persistent sadness to worry, irritability, and a feeling of being overwhelmed. Some might feel wired instead of lethargic and experience more intense mood swings. 'They're worrying all the time and have intrusive thoughts or disturbing images,' says Katie Unverferth, MD, a psychiatrist and the medical director of UCLA's maternal mental health program. 'It's a very ruminative anxiety where you're stuck in these thought loops.' However, since the condition—which has increased dramatically over the past decade—manifests differently in everyone, it often necessitates varied treatment approaches, says Dr. Unverferth. The catch is that traditional treatments just don't work for some moms, leaving them struggling to find their own way forward. And when moms suffer, babies suffer, too, research shows. 'PPD is not happening in a vacuum,' says Dr. Unverferth. 'We need to try and get mothers better as soon as we can.' What's more, the consequences of untreated PPD are dire: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the perinatal period. Usually the condition is addressed with medication or psychotherapy or a combination of both. The most commonly prescribed antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the level of serotonin in the brain, helping to regulate mood. While SSRIs are effective for PPD, some people experience side effects such as weight gain or sexual dysfunction, and it can be hard to find the right dose, according to one Cochrane Library review. In 2023, the FDA approved the first oral medication for PPD, zuranolone, which can ease symptoms in several days. The drug is a synthetic form of the natural neurosteroid allopregnanolone, which binds to receptors in the brain that manage mood and stress. The body makes this steroid from progesterone, which can be depleted in women with PPD. Yet despite these advancements in care, women don't always get the help they need. Research shows that up to 50 percent of PPD cases go undiagnosed as a result of stigma and women's hesitancy to disclose their symptoms to providers, and a recent study from Columbia University found that only one in two patients with depressive symptoms received some form of mental health care in their first year postpartum. Some moms, desperate for answers and help, turn to alternative methods. If SSRIs don't work, the women may think, maybe magic mushrooms will? For Shaelyn, a woman in her mid-20s from Texas, taking antidepressants exacerbated the disconnection she felt postpartum. 'I was pretty isolated, living by myself with the baby,' she says. 'I think about it as my monster period—it was really dark.' She tried taking an SSRI around four months postpartum, but it made her feel numb, creating a barrier to her emotions—or, as she describes it, 'like putting plastic wrap on fruit.' By the time her son was 7 months old, Shaelyn decided to try microdosing. A microdose is typically defined as one-fifth to one-twentieth of a recreational dose. It is usually sub-perceptual, meaning it does not produce the hallucinogenic effects that come from a medium-strength dose. Most scientific studies use 25 milligrams of psilocybin, or roughly 2.5 grams of dried mushrooms, to produce a medium-strength dose, but potency varies widely based on the strain. Experts also caveat that it is hard to pin exact numbers to dosages—and their corresponding psychedelic effects—because there isn't much scientific documentation to create a consensus. And while microdosing has skyrocketed in popularity, the evidence there, too, is mixed on whether it has any clear therapeutic benefits. Melissa Whippo, LCSW, works with women who've taken psilocybin for PPD. Whether they're microdosing or doing 'big journey experiences' (i.e., taking larger doses), she says, moms tell her they feel less anxiety as well as less 'numbness,' which SSRIs can produce. 'Psilocybin seems to help people feel more even, more balanced out.' A hallmark of PPD is the sense of disconnection that women experience—from themselves, their support network, their children—according to Chaitra Jairaj, MD, a perinatal psychiatrist at the Coombe Hospital and senior clinical lecturer at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland. 'A lot of women say, 'I feel like I've lost myself. I feel like I'm an impostor,' ' she says. And this is exactly why some experts, like Dr. Jairaj, think psilocybin could be a powerful treatment for postpartum depression. Studies of psilocybin in people with depression show an enhanced sense of connection. The night Shaelyn took her first microdose, she felt present with her baby for the first time. She got down on the floor and played with him. 'I was filled with this sense of gratitude for being able to observe and nurture this small human life. I had been completely blocked from that feeling before.' Shaelyn continued microdosing, then started trying several larger doses. Psilocybin 'helped me to feel love and presence,' she says. 'And it wasn't all butterflies and sunshine: Being present for the joy makes you present for the sadness too.' Exactly how psychedelics may foster feelings of connection and potentially produce antidepressant-like effects in women with PPD could lie in how they seem to interact with our brain, but it's a question scientists are currently exploring. Experts know that the body converts psilocybin to psilocin, which activates serotonin receptors throughout the brain and affects how certain brain regions communicate. Specifically, psilocybin can cause huge disruptions to communication and other activity in the cortex (the outer layer of the brain, which is responsible for higher-level cognitive functions like thought, language, and memory) and the subcortex (this includes the hypothalamus and the rest of the limbic system, which play a key role in motor control and other basic functions like processing emotions and memory). This temporary reorganization of brain activity patterns can 'lead to more flexible cognition and emotional breakthroughs,' according to a review in the Journal of Psychopharmacology. Scientists at Imperial College London created a still-influential model in 2014 showing how these disruptions from psilocybin work: by decreasing a cognitive control mechanism that suppresses lower-level brain areas responsible for impulsive actions, called 'top-down inhibition,' and by enhancing the external sensory stimuli shaping your perceptions, or 'bottom-up processing.' As the theory goes, these two changes make people feel less influenced or constrained by their prior beliefs and expectations, which allows them to break their usual thinking patterns and helps them consider new 'potentially brighter perspectives.' Psilocybin also appears to temporarily desynchronize and reset our default mode network, a group of brain regions involved in introspective thinking, memory, and daydreaming, per a recent study from Washington University. 'It helps us understand ourselves in context,' says study coauthor Ginger E. Nicol, MD, a professor of psychiatry and founding director of Washington University's Center for Holistic Interdisciplinary Research in Psychedelics. 'It's where we imagine things and become creative.' The default mode network is also known to be overactive in people with depression. Psilocybin, the study found, seemed to reduce the activity in this network, as well as in the brain area critical for learning, memory, and imagination. This, Dr. Nicol explains, is what makes a trip feel 'transcendent'—it causes people to lose their sense of self, time, and space. Interestingly, these brain network changes lasted up to three weeks after the psilocybin trip. This suggests that psilocybin could make the brain more malleable or 'plastic,' able to grow and connect in different ways. And these two essential factors—changes in the default mode network and neuroplasticity—might be responsible for psilocybin's potential antidepressant effects. 'Pairing the psychedelic with the right type of targeted therapy could establish healthier connections and eventually healthier thoughts and behaviors,' Dr. Nicol says. Back in 1970, the U.S. passed the Controlled Substances Act, which outlawed psychedelic drugs and put a significant damper on promising early research into their therapeutic benefits. Like cannabis, psilocybin is still illegal at the federal level and classified as a Schedule I drug, but its status at the state level is murkier. It's legal in Colorado and in therapeutic settings in Oregon. It has been decriminalized in some cities, including Oakland and Santa Cruz in California; Washington, D.C.; and Ann Arbor, Michigan. But because it's a Schedule I drug, current research has been limited to 'federally approved scientific studies.' The Reunion Neuroscience trial, however, marks a significant shift—in scientific acceptance of the treatment possibilities of psychedelics and, more generally, acceptance of the idea that struggling women need more—and better—options. While it's the first study of its kind to look at a psilocybin-like substance, there has been some promising research on PPD and ketamine: In women with prenatal depression, one low-dose shot of a type of ketamine (after their child was born) reduced major depressive episodes postpartum by roughly 75 percent, found a study published in the British Medical Journal. (Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles has also seen hundreds of patients with postpartum depression and reports a 90 percent success rate in improving PPD symptoms by 50 percent or more, according to cofounder and CEO Sam Mandel.) Additionally, there was a European study that aimed to investigate a different compound that mimics the psychedelic DMT, for PPD. Reunion is hoping that its psychedelic drug, RE104, can provide a 'safe, fast-acting, single-dose therapy' that will help patients with mental health disorders, including PPD. The process in this phase 2 clinical trial is quite straightforward. But its implications are significant: If it shows that the drug is safe and effective, scientists will have enough information to push forward with more research. After recruiting participants with PPD who have given birth in the past 12 months and are not breastfeeding, Reunion has the women go through two preparation sessions, in which two trained facilitators (a physician, therapist, midwife, or other health care professional) get to know them and explain what will happen during the trial. The women return a third time for a dosing session, where they're invited to bring their journal and photos of their baby or other loved ones to a cozy room with a comfortable sofa and floor pillows. 'We try to create a feeling of safety,' says Lawrence Leeman, MD, a professor of family and community medicine at the University of New Mexico, which is one of the study's clinical sites. 'We get some agreements on things like touch, for instance: 'If you reach your hand out and you want us to hold your hand, is that okay?' ' During the dosing session, the women are injected with either a single 30-milligram dose of RE104 or a sub-perceptual 5-milligram dose of the drug if they're in the control group. (In psychedelic research, it's difficult to have a control group that doesn't receive any type of drug, so researchers use these very small doses to prevent participants from knowing which group they're in.) 'Within one hour, [patients] will be at a peak hallucinating experience,' potentially seeing visuals and shapes, according to Reunion president and CEO Greg Mayes. They can listen to calming music on headphones and wear an eyeshade. The same two facilitators are there to support them throughout the experience, providing reassurance and comfort. Afterward, participants go through two 'integration' sessions to help them make sense of what happened during their trip. Here, the facilitators ask open-ended questions, and the participants share things they learned about themselves or their past, says Mayes. Their depression symptoms are assessed at days 1, 7, 14, and 28. 'A potential benefit of using a psychedelic for postpartum depression is to have a rapid effect,' says Dr. Leeman, pointing to previous psilocybin studies that showed a positive effect on depression symptoms in a matter of days. 'If we can treat the symptoms [fast] and allow the mom to bond better with her baby, there could be long-term benefits.' Of course, psilocybin doesn't come without risks and shortcomings. First, very little is known about the concentration of psilocybin in breast milk, so it's not possible to say whether it's safe to take mushrooms and breastfeed. (It's worth pointing out that when moms take antidepressants, very small amounts do pass into their breast milk.) There's also the fact that while psilocybin seems to effectively treat depression symptoms, there hasn't been much scientific research on the anxiety that doctors so often see in PPD patients, says Mary Kimmel, MD, PhD, an associate professor of psychiatry at Washington University who specializes in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Anecdotally, moms want new therapeutics, and Dr. Kimmel is excited about the possibility of further studies and future treatments including psychedelics that could help doctors better understand how they work and who might most benefit from them. Taking mushrooms to treat PPD can be challenging in other ways too. In the Mothers of the Mushroom survey, some of the respondents said they experienced physical side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, and general anxiety. Several women said the trips brought up intense emotions that could be overwhelming without the time or professional help to understand what they meant. Some respondents also mentioned that they were concerned about judgment from family and friends. Even though psilocybin research and use are growing and there are legalization campaigns across the country, stigma around moms' use of it is pervasive. Many online forum posts start with 'Don't judge me' or 'I know I'm probably going to get tons of judgment for asking this.' Busting stigma is no small task, especially when it involves convincing the public that a psychedelic drug might one day be safe and effective to treat vulnerable new moms. When it comes to future clinical trials, UNM's Dr. Leeman says it's 'incredibly important that the research is done in a rigorous, scientific fashion.' Another growing controversy facing researchers is whether talk therapy should always be provided along with psychedelics. Many experts believe that the benefits of psychedelics are not the result of their pharmacological properties alone but of their combination with psychotherapy, which may enhance neuroplasticity and help change rigid behaviors and thought patterns. Others argue that psychotherapy isn't necessary. 'I think it's unethical to offer psychedelics without the therapy component,' says Dr. Jairaj. 'That's important, especially in the postpartum period, because psychedelics can be quite intense emotionally.' Without that support, they 'could prove to be more harmful than helpful.' It's crucial that women have a support system in place when taking psychedelics to ensure safety, whether that's a therapist or some other sort of guide. 'In the postpartum period, depression can make people very vulnerable, and we need to make sure we're not making that vulnerability worse through a difficult psychedelic experience,' says Dr. Kimmel. Currently, there's no standard for the type of therapy used in psychedelic research. Some trials provide only general guidance sessions, while others offer specific psychotherapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy. Many provide 'nondirective counseling,' meaning facilitators allow participants to lead the conversation, with the general aim of making them feel safe and comfortable. 'It's really the therapist's or guide's job to be there affirming them, reflecting things, recording things—but not directing it,' says Natalie Lyla Ginsberg, global impact officer at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. 'It's about allowing the patient to lead the way.' The Reunion study provides what researchers call 'psychological support,' through the preparation and integration sessions, but not formal psychotherapy. 'That's the big question in this area of clinical development and research right now,' says Mayes. 'What's causing the positive effect, the drug or the therapy? We want to have a clear evaluation of what the drug is doing so there's no cause for confusion or uncertainty.' He adds: 'Reunion is not opposed to therapy, but we need to give the regulators a clear view into the safety and efficacy of RE104, without the addition of psychotherapy.' The past few years have been a rocky road for psychedelic-treatment approvals, making it unclear if psilocybin will ever get the official nod from the FDA. In 2019, the FDA called psilocybin a 'breakthrough therapy' for major depressive disorder, and several companies have since developed methods for its use in treating depression (but not PPD), which are now in phase 3 trials. If those are successful, the companies can then apply for FDA approval. But last year, the FDA delivered a shocking blow when it rejected an application for therapy using the psychedelic MDMA to treat people with PTSD. Despite encouraging results in studies, the FDA said the benefits didn't outweigh the risks and requested more clinical research. The controversy over psychotherapy was also a key part of the MDMA decision: FDA advisors said it was difficult to determine how much the accompanying talk therapy (which the FDA does not regulate) contributed to the results. That decision complicates the path forward for other psychedelics like psilocybin, and Ginsberg is concerned that other drug companies will abandon the talk therapy component of psychedelic treatment to avoid a similar fate. She is hopeful but not overly positive about the development and FDA approval of a PPD-focused psilocybin drug because the process is so lengthy and expensive, she says. Not to mention the potential roadblocks to scientific progress in this area under an administration that is demanding a review of all active research projects that include keywords like female. Plus, any postpartum meds have the added hurdle of proving they're safe to take while breastfeeding. Mayes, on the other hand, is optimistically focused on getting an FDA-approved RE104 to market by 2029. If the drug is given the go-ahead by the FDA, women could, in theory, receive it at a specialized treatment center. 'We stand a great chance to be the first psychedelic in the United States to be approved for postpartum depression,' Mayes says. There's also the possibility that psilocybin will eventually be approved for use in people with general depression, allowing health care providers to prescribe it off-label for women with PPD, making it similar to ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects. Scientific progress may be slow due to psilocybin's complex and not-yet-well-understood impacts—and some women are taking matters into their own hands. After having her fourth child, in 2023, Nohea entered yet another period of depression. Her marriage had recently fallen apart. 'It was like the whole world was imploding,' she says. 'I was in a place of dark disconnection, not knowing how to move forward as a single mom.' She decided to go back to what had worked in the past: mushrooms. But this time, she took a large dose. 'I saw a lot of imagery of female heroes—Joan of Arc, Cleopatra, Isis—all these iconic, powerful women. It infused me with this knowing that I can do it, that I have strength. It made me love being a mom. It stopped being a responsibility and started being a role I get to play happily.' It's been almost a year since that experience, and Nohea can still tap into that powerful frame of mind. 'No matter how bad things got, I never let it diminish my light,' she says. 'My approach became: Okay, this sucks, but it's going to be an experience. And tomorrow we get to start over.' 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Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This dad's stroller walks helped normalize postpartum support for fathers
After his daughter was born, Kalvin Bridgewater didn't recognize himself. He was overwhelmed, gaining weight, and quietly unraveling under the mental weight of new fatherhood. 'I didn't even notice how much I was changing,' he wrote. 'My health was declining and my weight went from 200 to 265 from stress eating—food became my only comfort from what I now know was postpartum depression.' His wife was also struggling, and she got help. But Kalvin's pain went largely unnoticed—because paternal postpartum depression is still so often left out of the conversation. And he's not alone. While maternal mental health has (rightfully) received growing awareness, support for dads remains rare. But the research is clear: Up to 1 in 10 fathers experience postpartum depression, often presenting as irritability, withdrawal, and hopelessness, according to a systematic review published in the American Journal of Men's Health. And when it goes unaddressed, the ripple effects can impact entire families. Kalvin's turning point was deceptively simple: he took his baby for a walk. That one act of movement became a lifeline. Other dads began joining in. Those quiet strolls turned into something powerful—what's now called the Daddy Stroller Social Club (DSSC), a growing support network that has brought together hundreds of fathers across the country. 'We just started bonding, socializing and creating a community for dads,' Kalvin shared in a now-viral TikTok. 'To not just be a better father—be a better husband, somebody better in the community.' Related: Should dads be screened for postpartum depression too? DSSC isn't just a walking group. It's a reimagining of what fatherhood can look like—with space for vulnerability, peer support, and healing. The group's growth was inspired, in part, by Eve Akins, a Dallas-based doula who organizes weekend meetups for young moms. Watching the strength and impact of maternal circles, Kalvin realized dads needed the same kind of space: a soft place to land, reflect, and show up for one another. DSSC's mission is to normalize paternal mental health care through community-building, storytelling, and advocacy. With chapters now in cities like Atlanta, L.A., and Philly, these weekend 'strides' are showing what's possible when fathers stop pretending to have it all together. The emotional labor of fatherhood doesn't always look like sleep deprivation or diaper duty. Sometimes, it looks like silent guilt. Loneliness. A sense of falling short in a role they're expected to just 'figure out.' In one of DSSC's Instagram reels, the group boldly rejects outdated norms like 'boys don't cry' and 'rest equals laziness.' The comments are full of support—many from mental health professionals cheering on the shift. One therapist wrote, 'This is great that you all are dismantling the myths. Men go through their own postpartum journey!' And that's the point: this isn't about making dads the center. It's about making space—for all parents. Because healing happens when people feel seen. And sometimes, that starts with something as simple as a walk. If you're a new dad—or love one—check out Daddy Stroller Social Club for local meetups, resources, and support. Because nobody should have to carry the weight of parenthood alone. Related: What is paternal depression? We need to talk about men's mental health, too
Daily Mail
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE I hated being a mother - author Sarah Hoover shares postpartum depression battle on latest raw episode of The Life of Bryony podcast
Podcast All episodes An author shared her experience overcoming postpartum depression and psychosis on the latest episode of The Life of Bryony podcast. Sarah Hoover, a cultural critic, wrote the acclaimed memoir, The Motherload, offering a candid exploration of motherhood and marriage. Speaking to Daily Mail Columnist Bryony Gordon, the author recounted how a traumatic birth left her feeling 'strange' years after her son was born. 'I was having all these intrusive thoughts', the author said. 'This is the paradox: I hated being a mother at this stage. I thought I had ruined my life and that I didn't love my child. 'I didn't feel connected to him – and yet, every night I would have nightmares. Every night, I watched my son die. On some level, I cared so deeply. 'I was scared to walk downstairs with him. I thought if I took his pram out, a car would hit me, and he would be left all on his own and someone would take him. 'I had a jillion fears. I was constantly afraid.' The author admitted to using recreational drugs 'as a coping mechanism' to escape the shame of her lack of maternal feeling. Sarah remembered encouraging friends to bring her illicit substances instead of gifts at her baby shower. 'When I had postpartum depression, I partied so much. It was the only time I felt alive', Sarah told the podcast. 'I did not know what else to do. Looking back, I wish I had gone to therapy and got antidepressants. 'That didn't even occur to me – I thought the easiest path to feeling alive again was getting messed up. 'I felt agency over my body had been stripped from me. I am surprised I wasn't promiscuous and didn't cheat on my husband. 'It was like – this body has been through so much. It's been trashed. I am just going to keep going.' Sarah remembered developing feelings of resentment towards her partner, who she began to see as 'useless' in supporting her. 'There's no woman who's married to a man who feels like her husband is useful after they give birth', she said. 'The only other times I felt alive was when I was filled with rage while looking at my husband. 'He felt useless on purpose, and it was driving me nuts. He became a third child.' Sarah stressed that only by doing the 'hard work' of beginning a regimen of antidepressants and therapy was she able to shift her depression. 'It was a long road', she began. 'The first thing that helped was going on antidepressants. I went on SSRIs. I was scared to take them – but when I did, they gave me the ability to voice my intrusive thoughts. 'It helps to share all the dark stuff within you. It took two years of therapy and being on antidepressants, but I started to love parenting. 'There were years that I didn't feel connected to my child. It was a very long process, but it was totally worth it. 'It was the hardest work I could emotionally do, but doing it meant I now love my kid. That's a massive gift. 'Seeing the world through his eyes every day is the most fun I have ever had.' To hear the full episode featuring acclaimed author Sarah Hoover, search for The Life of Bryony now, wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are released every Monday.
