It’s a question put to author and baby gooroo contributor Elizabeth Pantley in a recent post regarding postpartum depression.

Have you or someone you know ever felt that way? If so, as Elizabeth responds, having PPD does not mean you are a terrible mother.

It means you have an illness, and with help, it can be cured. It used to be that new mothers suffering from PPD were left to suffer in silence. But thanks to new awareness, in part due to actress Brooke Shield’s unabashed sharing of her own story, more and more women are finding the help they so desperately need.

The Tree of Hope Foundation is one such place offering help, support, and understanding. Pam Moffit, founder and president of the not-for-profit organization, began her quest in 2005 to promote research, education, and awareness of postpartum related mood disorders in honor of her sister-in-law Mary Ellen Moffitt, who took her own life and that of her five week old daughter, Caroline, in July of 2004.

The message that Moffitt hopes to spread?

“You are not alone.”

The Metro-Detroit based organization offers support groups free of charge to all participants. The group’s goal is to raise awareness of PPD, education efforts, and research, which includes free weekly support groups, community health, and educational events.

“There is no need for insurance; no need for a referral,” Moffit says. “Anyone who feels they are struggling and needs a little help is welcome to come to one of our support group meetings.”

Her main goal, to place different support groups in different geographical locations, at different times and on different days, is being realized with the rapid growth Tree of Hope has seen in the last year. The group began with one support group and has seen rapid growth in the past year, already with interest shown for possible expansion beyond Michigan’s borders.

“No woman finding herself in a situation where she needs help has to wait more than a few days,” Moffitt says, referring to the sole monthly meetings held by many traditional support groups. “Last year we only had one group running. That is why we need to continue raising funds. We can continue to grow, but we need financial support to do so.”

Did you know
According to information available on the foundation’s website, from the book “Conquering Postpartum Depression” by Ronald Rosenberg:

• One of every ten women will experience PPD following childbirth and one of every 1,000 will experience Postpartum Psychosis.

• PPD often goes unnoticed, even though the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has stated that upwards of 85 to 95 percent of all new mothers experience some form of mood complication during pregnancy or after childbirth.

• Symptoms of PPD may include:

• Debilitating depression, thoughts of suicide or death.

• Hopelessness, helplessness, and/or feelings of inadequacy as a wife or mother.

• Fear that if you tell anyone what you are experiencing, your baby will be taken away.

• Symptoms of Postpartum Psychosis could also include: Visual or auditory hallucinations, delusions, despair or elation, extreme anxiety or agitation, and/or suicidal or homicidal thoughts

Step up for Hope
For those in the Metro Detroit area, The Tree of Hope is sponsoring the fourth annual Step Up for Hope 5K Run, Walk & Stroll, Saturday, June 21, at Metro Beach Metropark in Harrison Township. Moffitt says she expects about 700 participants to take part in the event, which is stroller-friendly.

The Tree of Hope is also getting ready to kick off their annual raffle ticket fundraiser, which is open to anyone in the United States. Tickets are just $5 each or three for $10, with cash prizes (one $2,500, one $1,000, and three $500 prizes.)

With six tickets per book, this is a great opportunity to perhaps win a bit of cash for yourself while, most importantly, supporting the Tree of Hope in the fundraising effort.

“There is a significant need and we have not even begun to help all those that need it,” Moffitt said. “We need financial support in order to spread the mission.”

Anyone interested in purchasing tickets for themselves or their family and friends is asked to contact Pam Moffitt with the quantity of books requested. Books will be mailed directly to you.

But remember to act quickly! The drawing is on June 21.

To learn more, visit Tree of Hope Foundation or call (877) HOPE-311 or (877) 467-3311.