Group Helps Postpartum Sufferers

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Indiana women suffering from postpartum anxiety, depression and other issues can get help through a new coalition formed in Lafayette.The Lafayette Coalition for Community Awareness of Perinatal Anxiety and Mood Disorders aims to increase understanding of postpartum issues and identify physicians and therapists who are skilled in treating such cases.The group started meeting about a year ago and held its first support group this summer at the Kathryn Weil Center for Education in Lafayette.Pam Smith, a registered nurse with St. Elizabeth Regional Health, said women can experience extreme worry or fear about the health of their baby, as well as panic attacks, mood disorders and even posttraumatic stress episodes. many don’t seek help because they fear their children will be removed from them, she told the Journal & Courier.Elizabeth “Liz” Beachy sought help after she was diagnosed with perinatal mood disorder about a month before giving birth to her second child on Sept. 30.”I just began to feel very anxious and my mind couldn’t think clearly,” the 26-year-old said. “I began to withdraw and I began crying at the drop of a hat.”She said she felt overwhelmed and had to move in with her mother for about a week because she was unable to care for her 3-year-old daughter.”I would stand in front of the fridge and just cry and not be able to put something together for lunch,” said Beachy, a former Lafayette resident who just moved to Kokomo. “There would be times I could not get up from the chair.”Beachy said she is doing much better through therapy and medication.Smith said women should seek clinical help if they are experiencing symptoms. The coalition can help by identifying physicians and therapists who are skilled in treating postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders.The coalition consists of representatives from Clarian Arnett Health, Riggs Community Health Center, St. Elizabeth Regional Health and independent therapists.

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