I lost my wife, Kristin Brooks Rossell, to suicide following the four-month battle with postpartum psychosis. All the things one should not do in the treatment of the deadly disease were done to Kristin. Beyond the Blues is a step-by step guide that would have saved her life.
The irony is that one of the authors, Dr. Bennett, lived less than ten miles from where Kristin worked and suffered daily. Kristin was even employed at a managed healthcare company with, supposedly, decent medical insurance. But not one of the professionals in charge of her care gave her the advice and counsel needed. This book should be required reading for every expectant mother, partner, and medical person charged with the woman's care.
Beyond the Blues is not long, yet its content is comprehensive and well written. I cried reading each page, knowing at each turn how this information could have been used to save Kristin, myself, and our families the pain and needless suffering we experienced.
The single greatest gift we have is the gift of life and the creation of that life. It is an indictment of our patriarchal society that a disease which afflicts over 700,000 women each year in the US alone, is not routinely screened for. "Suicide is the most preventable form of death in the US today, " stated former US Surgeon General David Satcher. If this is so, and I believe it is, then surely suicide as a result of poorly treated or untreated postpartum illness is the most preventable form of suicide.
I am still in therapy and have had support from family and friends in order to dal with the loss. By founding the Kristin Brooks Hopes Center I have tried to make something good come out of my personal tragedy.
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The Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) automatically connects callers - people who are depressed or suicidal, or those concerned about someone they love - to a certified crisis center. Crisis center calls are answered by trained crisis line workers 24 hours a day seven days a week.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world; indeed,
it's the only thing that ever has.
MARGARET MEAD
H. Reese Butler II
CEO & Founder, Kristin Brooks Hope Center
National Hopeline Network 1-800-SUICIDE
609 E. Main St. #112
Purcellville, VA 20132
