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A Mother's Climb Out Of Darkness: A Story about Overcoming Postpartum Psychosis
In this heartrending memoir told through memories, journals and medical records, one woman, Jennifer Hentz Moyer, shares her incredible journey into and out of postpartum psychosis. Often misunderstood and misdiagnosed this disease impacted not just Jennifer herself, but her beloved family as well. Following the birth of her son, Jennifer began a downward spiral of sleepless nights, gripping fear that someone would harm her or her baby, and irrational distrust of everyone including her husband. The delusion became real to her and at that point she became so impaired that she could not even recognize her doctor, who dialed 911. A call by her doctor began a medical journey which would forever change Jennifer. Through many hospitalizations and attempted medical interventions, she would eventually stumble upon a doctor who would become the catalyst to turn her medical crisis in the right direction towards positive mental health. Enter into Jennifer's life and see how her determination to become whole, coupled with her strong faith, played an incredible role in her recovery which continues to inspire her still to this day. Jennifer’s deepest heart-cry is to get the message out: there is help, there is hope and you are not alone.
- GenresNonfiction
266 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 1, 2014
As the author, I am pleased with the final outcome of the book. It has been a long journey to get to this point. I hope you consider reading it. If you do, I welcome your feedback and reviews.
Jennifer H Moyer
A Mother's Climb Out of Darkness: A Story about Overcoming Postpartum Psychosi
Jennifer H Moyer
A Mother's Climb Out of Darkness: A Story about Overcoming Postpartum Psychosi
December 14, 2014
A MOTHER'S CLIMB OUT OF DARKNESS: A Story About Overcoming Postpartum Phychosis
By: Jennifer H. Moyer
I received a free copy of this eBook from www.librarything.com in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the heart wrenching true story of an ordinary woman who literally went through mental health Hell and eventually triumphed.
Jennifer seemed to have everything. Her life was going well both personally and professionally. When she discovered that she was pregnant, she felt supremely happy. In 1995 they welcomed their infant son into their lives, and at first everything seemed to fall into place.
Like every other mother, Jennifer loved her child and vowed to take the best possible care of him and to keep him safe from all harm. What she couldn't know at the time was that this brief period of bliss would not last.
The first cracks in her happiness began when she had difficulty sleeping through the night. This seemingly small matter began her spiral towards full-fledged postpartum psychosis.
She began to feel more and more isolated from the world. She started to fear that people were planning to harm her, or worse, harm her child. She even began to fear her own husband.
The worst part of this downward spiral was that even though she sought help, it seemed that no long term help was available.
Jennifer endured multiple hospitalizations and tried a multitude of prescribed medications in an effort to get her condition under control.
It must have seemed to her that she was the only person who this condition had ever happened to. She felt alone and adrift. Why was it so difficult to receive the proper medical diagnosis? Why were there not support systems in place for new mothers or others suffering with this disease? Why was there no literature available on the subject? Where could she turn for help?
It is a wonder to me that more women diagnosed with this condition do not commit suicide. The enormity and hopelessness that Jennifer outlines in her book would have crushed most women. It is a testament to her inner strength and determination that she did not give up and persevered until she finally found a doctor that could help. Jennifer's relief was evident and she states: "Finding medical care I could trust brought me great peace of mind."
Jennifer was eventually also diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, and since obtaining the proper mix of spiritual and medical treatment, she has been stable for over six years.
The disease of postpartum psychosis is not something that we hear about often. It is like many other mental illnesses in that sufferers are often too embarrassed or too overwhelmed to talk about their experiences. "... It is estimated that fewer than 20 percent of women who suffer from symptoms ever talk to their health care providers about them." This, unfortunately, leads those suffering from postpartum psychosis to try to hide what is happening to them and to attempt to appear "normal" to the outside world.
Jennifer's writing of this book allowing readers to glimpse her horrifying symptoms is nothing short of courageous.
It is books like this one that I hope will eventually help to remove the social stigma that attaches itself to those who are deemed as "mentally ill". As Jennifer states in her book, she "needed knowledge and treatment, not judgement and contempt."
Postpartum psychosis does not discriminate. It can happen to any woman. It is an illness that crosses all socio-economic barriers.
This is an important book and I encourage all women to read it. Even if you have never had a child, or if your children are already grown up, this is still an important book. The more women educate themselves, the more chances we will have to help educate others and perhaps save someone from having to go through what Jennifer endured.
This book will also help by giving those suffering from PPD (Postpartum Depression) and PPP (Postpartum Psychosis) the knowledge that they are not alone. It offers sufferers a much needed lifeline and a potential roadmap to help lead them to eventual recovery.
I give this book a 5 star rating.
It is a gripping and emotional roller coaster ride. You will find yourself rooting for Jennifer and cheering her on in her eventual triumph over this disease.
I applaud Jennifer's courage in being open and honest about the worst experience of her life. Her commitment to bringing this topic out into the open is commendable.
This is a book worth reading.
To read more of my reviews, visit my blog at http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
By: Jennifer H. Moyer
I received a free copy of this eBook from www.librarything.com in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the heart wrenching true story of an ordinary woman who literally went through mental health Hell and eventually triumphed.
Jennifer seemed to have everything. Her life was going well both personally and professionally. When she discovered that she was pregnant, she felt supremely happy. In 1995 they welcomed their infant son into their lives, and at first everything seemed to fall into place.
Like every other mother, Jennifer loved her child and vowed to take the best possible care of him and to keep him safe from all harm. What she couldn't know at the time was that this brief period of bliss would not last.
The first cracks in her happiness began when she had difficulty sleeping through the night. This seemingly small matter began her spiral towards full-fledged postpartum psychosis.
She began to feel more and more isolated from the world. She started to fear that people were planning to harm her, or worse, harm her child. She even began to fear her own husband.
The worst part of this downward spiral was that even though she sought help, it seemed that no long term help was available.
Jennifer endured multiple hospitalizations and tried a multitude of prescribed medications in an effort to get her condition under control.
It must have seemed to her that she was the only person who this condition had ever happened to. She felt alone and adrift. Why was it so difficult to receive the proper medical diagnosis? Why were there not support systems in place for new mothers or others suffering with this disease? Why was there no literature available on the subject? Where could she turn for help?
It is a wonder to me that more women diagnosed with this condition do not commit suicide. The enormity and hopelessness that Jennifer outlines in her book would have crushed most women. It is a testament to her inner strength and determination that she did not give up and persevered until she finally found a doctor that could help. Jennifer's relief was evident and she states: "Finding medical care I could trust brought me great peace of mind."
Jennifer was eventually also diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, and since obtaining the proper mix of spiritual and medical treatment, she has been stable for over six years.
The disease of postpartum psychosis is not something that we hear about often. It is like many other mental illnesses in that sufferers are often too embarrassed or too overwhelmed to talk about their experiences. "... It is estimated that fewer than 20 percent of women who suffer from symptoms ever talk to their health care providers about them." This, unfortunately, leads those suffering from postpartum psychosis to try to hide what is happening to them and to attempt to appear "normal" to the outside world.
Jennifer's writing of this book allowing readers to glimpse her horrifying symptoms is nothing short of courageous.
It is books like this one that I hope will eventually help to remove the social stigma that attaches itself to those who are deemed as "mentally ill". As Jennifer states in her book, she "needed knowledge and treatment, not judgement and contempt."
Postpartum psychosis does not discriminate. It can happen to any woman. It is an illness that crosses all socio-economic barriers.
This is an important book and I encourage all women to read it. Even if you have never had a child, or if your children are already grown up, this is still an important book. The more women educate themselves, the more chances we will have to help educate others and perhaps save someone from having to go through what Jennifer endured.
This book will also help by giving those suffering from PPD (Postpartum Depression) and PPP (Postpartum Psychosis) the knowledge that they are not alone. It offers sufferers a much needed lifeline and a potential roadmap to help lead them to eventual recovery.
I give this book a 5 star rating.
It is a gripping and emotional roller coaster ride. You will find yourself rooting for Jennifer and cheering her on in her eventual triumph over this disease.
I applaud Jennifer's courage in being open and honest about the worst experience of her life. Her commitment to bringing this topic out into the open is commendable.
This is a book worth reading.
To read more of my reviews, visit my blog at http://amiesbookreviews.wordpress.com
January 5, 2015
I was given this book in exchange for a review.
Wow! Talk about an eye opener! I'm one of those people who does not truly understand postpartum psychosis. Not to long ago a woman in Winnipeg killed her two young children and then committed suicide. As a mother I just didn't understand how somebody could do something so horrible. This book has truly opened my eyes! While I still don't fully "get it" (and never will having not gone through it), I now have compassion instead of contempt in my heart for those who have. Thank you for writing this book!
Wow! Talk about an eye opener! I'm one of those people who does not truly understand postpartum psychosis. Not to long ago a woman in Winnipeg killed her two young children and then committed suicide. As a mother I just didn't understand how somebody could do something so horrible. This book has truly opened my eyes! While I still don't fully "get it" (and never will having not gone through it), I now have compassion instead of contempt in my heart for those who have. Thank you for writing this book!
August 4, 2014
Courageous and inspiring. Jennifer has shared her struggles and eventual triumph in a heartfelt tale.
September 3, 2018
I’m usually a slow reader, so the fact that I finished this book in under a week speaks to how compelling Moyer’s story is.
I admire her bravery in sharing her story and opening herself up to further stigmatization in the name of helping others.
Her vivid accounts of the ups and downs of her illness were heartbreaking and eye opening. They would help anyone unfamiliar with mental illness understand what it’s like “on the inside”. Some of the fights she had to fight to get proper respect and care also made me angry on behalf of her and everyone who seeks and does not find proper support for mental illness.
My one major critique is the book seemed to ramble a bit more toward the end, almost as if Moyer wasn’t 100% sure where to end the story.
My other critique is that sometimes some details/memories are presented in a vague, confusing way that took a minute to orient into the rest of the story. Examples would include changing jobs, switching doctors, the individuals involved in an “episode,” etc. Perhaps some of this was unavoidable due to the nature of her story.
But fortunately this didn’t detract from her overall message and the help the book likely provides for other mothers and families.
I admire her bravery in sharing her story and opening herself up to further stigmatization in the name of helping others.
Her vivid accounts of the ups and downs of her illness were heartbreaking and eye opening. They would help anyone unfamiliar with mental illness understand what it’s like “on the inside”. Some of the fights she had to fight to get proper respect and care also made me angry on behalf of her and everyone who seeks and does not find proper support for mental illness.
My one major critique is the book seemed to ramble a bit more toward the end, almost as if Moyer wasn’t 100% sure where to end the story.
My other critique is that sometimes some details/memories are presented in a vague, confusing way that took a minute to orient into the rest of the story. Examples would include changing jobs, switching doctors, the individuals involved in an “episode,” etc. Perhaps some of this was unavoidable due to the nature of her story.
But fortunately this didn’t detract from her overall message and the help the book likely provides for other mothers and families.
September 12, 2024
Jennifer H. Moyer tells of her experiences with postpartum psychosis. She tells the ugly side of her disease as well as offering hope. It is a much needed book for anyone who wants to better understand the illness.
The author's perspective comes after she recovers from postpartum pyschosis, but as she remembers events you get a glimpse of how delusions and hallucinations can affect the person suffering as well as those around her.
When you finish reading the book you aren't left with just a good story. You are left with an idea of what kind of doctor to look for, what kind of facility to use should your loved one need it and you are left with other resources on how to deal with the illness. The time it takes for recovery varies from person to person, but Jennifer's complete recovery is encouraging. Her story needed to be told.
The author's perspective comes after she recovers from postpartum pyschosis, but as she remembers events you get a glimpse of how delusions and hallucinations can affect the person suffering as well as those around her.
When you finish reading the book you aren't left with just a good story. You are left with an idea of what kind of doctor to look for, what kind of facility to use should your loved one need it and you are left with other resources on how to deal with the illness. The time it takes for recovery varies from person to person, but Jennifer's complete recovery is encouraging. Her story needed to be told.
June 25, 2023
Riveting. Brutally honest & touching read
Thank you Jennifer for writing this book although, it may have been difficult. What an amazing triumphs of a person! What incredible strength you have. An outstanding read!
I suffered from Postpartum Psychosis after my son was born in 2022. While the stigma and ignorance of the illness is still prevalent in 2023, I applaud the tireless efforts of your advocacy. Thank you for this wonderful book of wisdom and references.
Thank you Jennifer for writing this book although, it may have been difficult. What an amazing triumphs of a person! What incredible strength you have. An outstanding read!
I suffered from Postpartum Psychosis after my son was born in 2022. While the stigma and ignorance of the illness is still prevalent in 2023, I applaud the tireless efforts of your advocacy. Thank you for this wonderful book of wisdom and references.
June 30, 2021
This book was surprisingly well written and I say surprisingly because the woman telling her story is not an author, by trade. Her story was very captivating, tragic at times and most of all important. People need to know about postpartum psychosis and how serious it is. This woman went through hell and back and is willing to share her personal experience. Highly recommend!
September 6, 2024
This book was written about PPD from several years ago. I would love to see a new book on this topic for people suffering.
March 19, 2017
This is a short but powerful read that addresses the struggles that women everyday face with postpartum mental illness. I highly recommend to any soon to be mother.
August 5, 2015
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.
May 5, 2015
Moving Account of One Mom's Struggle
Ms. Moyer recounts her journey from postpartum psychosis to maternal mental health advocate in this memoir. Her story offers insight into the experience of psychosis- I could feel her fear and paranoia as I read her words. Ms. Moyer's treatment as a psychiatric patient reveals both the positive and the negative sides of mental health care in the U.S. It is a call for reform, for the elimination of stigma and shame, for better care. What sets Ms. Moyer's story apart from other postpartum memoirs is her emphasis on needing to incorporate the spiritual into her treatment/recovery plan. This was a fast and easy read, a bit on the light side for me in terms of length and complexity, but heavy on the emotion. I could feel myself in her shoes. This should be on the recommended reading list for all mental/women's health practitioners and all pediatricians. Awareness of postpartum mood disorders will enable more moms to get proper care without stigma, so they don't suffer like Ms. Moyer did. What a blessing that she could take her pain and use it to help others.
Ms. Moyer recounts her journey from postpartum psychosis to maternal mental health advocate in this memoir. Her story offers insight into the experience of psychosis- I could feel her fear and paranoia as I read her words. Ms. Moyer's treatment as a psychiatric patient reveals both the positive and the negative sides of mental health care in the U.S. It is a call for reform, for the elimination of stigma and shame, for better care. What sets Ms. Moyer's story apart from other postpartum memoirs is her emphasis on needing to incorporate the spiritual into her treatment/recovery plan. This was a fast and easy read, a bit on the light side for me in terms of length and complexity, but heavy on the emotion. I could feel myself in her shoes. This should be on the recommended reading list for all mental/women's health practitioners and all pediatricians. Awareness of postpartum mood disorders will enable more moms to get proper care without stigma, so they don't suffer like Ms. Moyer did. What a blessing that she could take her pain and use it to help others.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews