Time to Talk Postpartum Depression

Dear Diary,

Not long after I delivered my beautiful baby girl, I made several doctor’s appointments. One with the pediatrician. Another with my OBGYN. And a third with a therapist. At a time when I should have been overjoyed as a first time mom, I was exhausted, irritated and anxious. At night, I tossed and turned, worrying about my family’s future. During the day, I had mood swings to the moon and back and no appetite. I forced myself to eat hearty meals to sustain breastfeeding. The emotions were overwhelming, consuming and perhaps suffocating. I longed to return to my upbeat, positive personality, to celebrate motherhood and to breathe again.

So, I called a counselor. I needed to determine if what I was feeling would fade. I poured out my heart, spilling my fears onto her couch. I shared how I was dumped over the telephone by my long-term boyfriend in my second trimester; how I quit my job as a television reporter and teacher and moved from Washington, D.C. back home with my sister in Pittsburgh–a city I swore I would only visit not reside in when I left; and how I ruined my dream of marriage before the carriage. Although my heart took a while to heal, my tears eventually dried up. My extreme sadness was replaced with happiness shortly thereafter. I returned to my pre-pregnancy self and overcame my baby blues by exercising, eating healthily, talking to family and friends, and of course loving on my little one.

That’s why I agreed to spread awareness about the Hummingbird Study on behalf of Sage Therapeutics. I want other moms to know they’re not alone–other moms suffer. Be sure to read all the details below.

This post is sponsored by Sage Therapeutics, the sponsor of the Hummingbird Study.

ANXIOUS. SAD. CRYING A LOT.

These are symptoms of postpartum depression. It’s not your fault.

Learn about a research study that may provide answers.

Postpartum depression is a biological complication of pregnancy. You’re not alone.

During pregnancy, the levels of certain hormones rise and then rapidly fall after giving birth. However, in some women, these hormone shifts may contribute to postpartum depression. The symptoms may begin to appear as early as the third trimester of pregnancy or within the first few weeks after childbirth. If you frequently feel sad, tearful, empty or hopeless it could be postpartum depression. Some women may also frequently experience angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters. This condition ranges in seriousness from mild to severe, but only a medical professional can diagnose you to be sure.

The Hummingbird Study is a research study evaluating an investigational medication in women suffering from moderate to severe postpartum depression.

You may qualify to participate if you:

• Are between 18 to 45 years old
• Gave birth within the last 6 months
• Frequently feel extremely sad, anxious, or overwhelmed and these symptoms are associated with postpartum depression

If you qualify and decide to participate, you will receive:


• 24-hour care and support for your postpartum depression during the 3-day, in-patient period
• All study-related medical care and medication provided at no cost
• Any travel required to participate will be coordinated and paid for by Sage Therapeutics

Call 844-608-0808, Text MOM8 to 87888, or visit thehummingbirdstudy.com to see if you pre-qualify.