The Lindsay Clancy case has put a spotlight on postpartum psychosis, a rare psychiatric emergency that causes new mothers to completely break with reality.
Heather Martin knows the effect that it can have on people, from personal and professional experience.
Her sister, Jennifer, died by suicide at 33 soon after having her first child.
“Some switch went off and my sister was no longer there,” Martin recalled, though Jennifer had “sounded okay” the morning she took her life.
Family photo
Family photo Jennifer Martin
Martin ended up making it her mission to help other new mothers, eventually becoming the first maternal health navigator at Dartmouth Health Children’s and, according to the provider, in the country.
She proposed a new screening for moms getting checkups for their babies, where the provider can determine if the mother needs assistance for mental health.
“You’re not a bad mom if you need help,” she told NBC10 Boston. “You’re a better mom for recognizing, ‘Hey, I’m not okay.'”
If you or someone you know is a new parent who’s struggling or in emotional distress, you can call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262) any time. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
This story originally appeared on NBCBoston.com.
