Behind the Smile My Journey Out of Postpartum Depression
Behind the Smile My Journey Out of Postpartum Depression
While the famous Osmond smile beamed for the camera, no one, not even Marie, fully realized the emptiness that loomed behind the smile. Marie is not alone; more than one out of ten new mothers experiences post-partum de-pression (PPD) after childbirth. The mother of seven, Marie became increasingly depressed after the birth of her youngest child. One night, she got in her car, leaving her family and husband, and drove north-with no intention of returning until she felt she had resolved this crisis. After she went public with her own experiences with PPD on Oprah and Larry King Live, the response was overwhelming. Now, Marie shares the fear and darkness of the depression she overcame, and with the doctor who helped her through her ordeal, offers the methods she learned for treating PPD.
User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star Awful
I had PPD after the birth of my first daughter. I sought help just months after her birth, and my recovery was complete, but not easy. During the time in which I struggled, I read every thing I could get my hands on. I am quite an avid reader to begin with, so naturally I wanted to read all I could to learn, and help myself. I understand that everyone has different experiences with PPD, but according to the womens clinic I sought help from, PPD is a major deppresion, not just a deppresion, or a “bad” few months. I am not trying to discredit her experience, but I found I could hardley relate. Brook Shields’ book was much closer to my experience, and the experience of other women I have talked with. I also was a little turned off by the jokes about different possible titles for the book like “PPD ruined my manicure.” It certainly might ruin anyones manicure, but I could hardly lift myself from the couch to eat, let alone get a manicure. My take is that yes she had PPD, but not to the severity that say, Brooke Shields did. I feel if you are suffering from full blown PPD, like as in MULTIPLE major deppresion symptoms, you won’t really relate to this as much as maybe Brooke Shields book. I was disapointed too, because I am of the same faith, and thought maybe I could relate on different levels. I also don’t think she was in the best possible care. She talked about feeling numb on medication after something like 3-4 days. Any GOOD doctor that knows specifially how to treat PPD would let you know that yes, you may feel strange for a few days, but it takes usually at least 2 weeks for them to level out. Also, medication for an episode of Major Deppresion is not a bandaid if you are activley involved in therapy etc. You are not on them forever, medication does not change you, depression, anxiety, and sleep-deprivation do. I don’t think it is very wise to suggest using all the natural supplements until you are clinically and officialy diagnosed with PPD. I am involved in one of the most reputable Womens Mental Health clinics in Chicago, and I they do recommend certain books, but I can say with absolute certainty they would NEVER recommend this to women with PPD. Try something like, This Isn’t What I Expected. All the best to those who are struggling with this most engulfing illness.
2 Stars Her journey to PPD but not too much detail of getting out of it
The book was just okay for me. She spent most of the time writing about her experience of being severely depressed and how she was just barely surviving day to day, hour to hour. She seems to be a bit “ANTI” anti-depressants. I would have liked her to spend more time on her journey out of her depression; how it effected her husband and children, and how she was able to heal those relationships (she mentions that her husband and her seperated for 6 months, kind of as a side note). Also, she talks about questioning everything in her life and her motivation behind everything she is and does, but fails to mention any changes in lifestyle that made a difference in her healing process. Was it only her green manure tea, bubble baths with candles, and going on Oprah that healed her??
5 Stars A Thought Provoking Book!
A must read for all mothers about to be a grandmother. It certainly opened my eyes to the symptoms of postpartum depression, and how to be of help to a daughter, daughter-in-law, or new mother if they have postpartum depression.
I would definitely recommend this book to new fathers, and grandfathers.
I give Marie Osmond much courage by coming out in the open with her problem recognizing that she can be helpful to other mothers who suffer as she has, and realize that there is help for them.
5 Stars Marie’s brave story is an inspiring read
Behind the smile is perfect for new moms, especially anyone who has ever suffered from the Baby Blues or Post Partum Depression. Amazingly, Marie was able to inject humor into a story that for the most part is deeply sad. She explains that she does so as a writer because she realizes that those who are reading the book probably need an extra lift, something to lighten the day. I never experienced post partum depression, but having grown up in the 1970s with the Donnie & Marie Show and always thinking how nice it would have been to have been as pretty or as talented as she was and still is, I loved the book. I am always amazed to learn that someone like her has problems, just like the rest of us. I don’t mean to say that I ever thought she was perfect. But I wouldn’t have thought she felt intimidated by the female guests on the show or that she ever thought she was too fat, etc. It kind of puts things in perspective that we are all here on this planet and have our own set of obstacles to overcome, whoever we are, whatever they might be. Marie’s story is inspiring, though, because she does overcome. She manages to make sure the show of life goes on, no matter what. Good for her! Includes clinical advice from Dr. Judith Moore making this book more than entertaining … it could actually offer more than solid encouragement, but real nuts & bolts help for someone who is suffering from PPD.
4 Stars PPD
Behind the Smile: My Journey Out of Postpartum DepressionAs I read marie’s book, when she was describing her abuse and excessive weight lost, I kept wondering to myself, where were her parents? She said she was placed in the care of trusted adults but the abuse happened anyway. I couldnt help but think, if she was abused, wouldnt her personality change? and why didnt her parents question the amount of weight she was losing. she looked absolutely anorexic by the last season of D&M in 1979. As marie described her feelings of depression and struggles to make it through just 1 more day, I could absolutely relate to that. I never suffered PPD, but suffered depression from severe empty nest syndrome. The depression I went through made it totally impossible for me to even get out of bed each day. I only have 1 son, who not only moved out but volunteered for a 15 month stint in Iraq. Marie must have an incredible amount of strenght. One thing I was totally bothered by was her constant complaints of not having enough time for her kids. She missed doing things with them and seeing them grow. My thoughts were, then slow down. you dont need a tv show, a doll company, public appearances, doll signings, whatever. Why keep adopting kids if you have no time for them. she went on to adopt an 8th child. I remember back in 1990, my parents and I went to see marie perform in a smoke filled bar in san diego. I felt sad that she was performing in this kind of atmosphere. she was scheduled to appear at 8pm. it was close to 10 before she finally appeared on stage. the announcer told the audience that Marie was late because she was putting her kids to bed. My mother yells out, if she can’t perform and be a mother at the same time, she needs to pick one and move on. as much as I love Marie and her family, I think Marie is selfish. Selfish to take on so many kids and then not be able to take care of them herself. That would cause depression for anyone. I have a hard time believing it was PPD she suffered from but instead, she was depressed over her work load, kid load and lack of sleep. She didnt learn anything did she when she adopted yet another kid she has no time for
Filed under: Mental Health Books