A Mother's Climb Out Of Darkness: A Story about Overcoming Postpartum Psychosis

A Mother’s Climb Out of Darkness: A Story about Overcoming Postpartum Psychosis takes the reader on the harrowing journey of one woman who suddenly finds herself in the throes of mental illness following the birth of her son. Thrust into a world where she, her family, and the medical professionals she consulted understood little about what was happening to her, Moyer describes the arduous process of being overcome by and then finally overcoming the debilitating mental illness from which she suffered. Using her private journey as a means for helping others suffering from similar mental challenges, Jennifer Moyer highlights the issues and concerns that both hindered and helped her treatment process. She underscores the need for the respectful and humane treatment of individuals with mental illness, seeing them as allies in their process of returning to mental health. She informs the reader of the importance of a good differential diagnosis. For example, postpartum psychosis needs to be understood as differing from postpartum depression, and the treatment for the two disorders is different as well. Jennifer Moyer's ability to transport the reader directly into her thinking during her psychotic episodes is of extreme benefit to anyone suffering from any form of mental illness in knowing they are not alone. It is beneficial to family and friends of sufferers in helping them understand what is happening to their loved ones. It is equally helpful to medical professionals interested in enhancing their skills in understanding and treating anyone with mental illness related to childbirth, actually to any form of mental illness. Moyer also sensitizes the reader to the struggles experienced by all involved in the lives of someone suffering from mental illness. It is only through the hard work and dedication of both Jennifer and her husband, Michael, that their relationship survived a process that most often leaves marriages with these challenges in ruins. A Mother’s Climb Out of Darkness is a testament to the power of commitment of all involved. This book is a must read for anyone who is personally, familially, or professionally involved with anyone suffering from mental illness related to childbirth.

Jennifer has written a heartrending and vitally important book about her journey through postpartum psychosis, one that will resonates with any mother who has struggled after childbirth. In addition, her story serves to break down the stereotypes and to change misperceptions about mental illness. After all, those who are struck down are no different than anyone else. In fact, one in four people are affected by mental illness. They are our neighbors, colleagues, and family members. They are us. Jennifer eloquently demonstrates that our mental health care system too often fails those who need help. As a mother of a son with bipolar, I have seen first-hand the kind of treatment Jennifer describes when she finds herself in the hospital. Clearly terrified because she doesn’t know where she is or what’s happening to her, she is treated with indifference. There is no kindness or empathy but rather a kind of animosity that adds insult to injury and that heaps more trauma upon the already traumatized. In the end, Jennifer’s story is one of resilience and determination as she fights to find for herself the treatment she needs. Not only has Jennifer recovered, but she has also become an advocate for others with postpartum depression and psychosis. Bravo Jennifer for writing this important book.

This story is a Godsend to anyone either suffering from postpartum depression or psychosis or a family member or supporter. My daughter is fighting her way back to normalcy from ths affliction. Until I read this story, I did not know or understand the severity or depth of this condition. Ms Moyer gave me such an understanding that it has helped me immeasurably in helping my daughter. There seem to be quite a few books written by women who journeyed thru postpartum depression, but postpartum psychosis is an animal apart. I can’t recommend this book enough. Her story was well written, human and actually an easy read, and the resources are so helpful in giving direction. I heartily recommend this book to both women and their significant others and supporters.

This was an amazing story. The fact that you came out of this illness at all is truly amazing. I downloaded it to my kindle to read while on a camping trip, I read it in two days I just couldn't put it down! I have heard of this illness previously, and my doctor warned me to watch for certain things after the birth of my children, I had baby blues, NOTHING compared to this AT all. Thank you Jennifer for sharing your story. God Bless

A true life story written with compassion and love. This book tells of the struggles with postpartum depression. It's the authors own personal life struggle. A must read for all women. She gives hope and promise to those who struggle with this disease.

This book was an amazing story of struggle, strength and love. Jennifer is honest and open in the telling of her story and gives me hope that one day I can feel balanced again.

I read Jennifer's book in one day. I could not put it down. Jennifer has written a book that is inspiring to all women whether affected by illness or not. I would highly recommend this book!

Great book. I highly recommend

An important, insightful & inspiring book! Jennifer’s story is an honest, real & heart-wrenching account of her journey through PP. It's written years after her initial episode, after she gained great clarity & understanding of PP through many years of personal research, piecing things together & her advocacy experiences. I recommend health professionals, mental health students & anyone who wants a deeper knowledge of PP read this book for a valuable insight into the PP experience. Jennifer’s account is both heart breaking and inspirational. Throughout, Jennifer explores the way her journey could have been made easier, including having doctors listen to her, communicate with her & involve her in care plans. There are uplifting accounts of a mother’s bond to her baby, success in going back to work & building a strong family unit. Although she endured some of the hardest moments a mother can face, she has gone on to inspire, educate & support large numbers of women who have faced PP, showing that it’s possible to make a full recovery even after the most difficult times & giving hope to many. An outstanding book, well done Jennifer!

Read this book as part of preparation for a job interview in the field of perinatal mental health.Amazing read; really highlights the things which made recovery more difficult and those things which are so important for professionals to remember. Would recommend to any professionals or family/friends trying to understand what someone is going through and to remember there is hope and it is possible to overcome it!