Advising Mothers to Combat Postpartum Depression with ‘Love and Prayer’ is a Risky Misstep

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Recently, author Jessica Moore expressed her belief that women might find relief from postpartum depression (PPD) through meditation and prayer rather than seeking professional help. This comes on the heels of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s recommendation to screen all expectant and new mothers for depression, a vital step towards ensuring women receive timely care. However, Moore took to social media to criticize this initiative, suggesting it’s part of a larger scheme tied to pharmaceutical interests.

In her post, she remarked, “Attention everyone: the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force wants to ‘screen for depression’ during and after pregnancy. Their solution? Prescribe medication. But have you checked who funds them? Hormonal shifts during and after pregnancy are completely normal! Meditation, prayer, nutrition, and love are what really help.”

Seriously? When I experienced PPD, I wish I could have just meditated and munched on an apple instead of pursuing therapy and medication.

Understandably, many people reacted strongly against Moore’s views, yet she remains steadfast. In follow-up comments, she elaborated: “Women experiencing depression are like canaries in a coal mine. Our feelings often signal deeper issues that need addressing. Postpartum depression can stem from the heartbreak of needing to return to work before we’re ready. A mother instinctively knows her baby needs her longer.”

Moore continues to insist that professionals are over-pathologizing normal mood shifts associated with pregnancy. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize that postpartum mood disorders are far from typical mood changes. These disorders can hinder a mother’s ability to bond with her child and may even lead to dangerous thoughts or actions. They aren’t merely the result of hormonal changes or the challenges of maternity leave, but rather a serious mental health condition that requires attention.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force highlights that nearly one in ten women experience significant depressive episodes during or after pregnancy, and a staggering 40 percent of those with postpartum depression go untreated. While medication isn’t the only answer, dismissing postpartum depression as a non-issue is harmful. Moore’s perspective suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of the condition itself.

In the past, many women suffered silently with PPD, unaware that their experiences had a name. Thankfully, we now live in a time where the stigma surrounding mental health is diminishing, and healthcare professionals are increasingly recognizing these issues. While Moore may attempt to undermine this progress, those of us who’ve lived through depression know how crucial it is for women to access the help they need. Perhaps she should reflect on her own statements before influencing vulnerable mothers to forgo necessary treatment.

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In summary, advocating for love and prayer as solutions to postpartum depression overlooks the seriousness of the condition and the need for appropriate medical intervention.