Valerie Plame Wilson , Postpartum Depression

Not much to add to this.  I do want to make sure
that more people see it.

Why did you include a chapter on
your bout with postpartum depression and were you concerned that the
CIA would look unkindly on the fact that you sought help for your
condition?



I included the chapter on postpartum depression (PPD) frankly because
my publisher, Simon & Schuster, allowed me too, even though it
is a departure from the rest of the themes of my book. It is something
that I feel passionately about and was actually somewhat painful to
write. With the birth of my twins in 2000, I experienced serious
postpartum depression and initially had absolutely no idea what was
happening. I think it's fair to say that up to that point in my life, I
had demonstrated a high degree of coping abilities under significant
stress and had always come through just fine. Here I was, an educated,
happily married woman with two beautiful, healthy babies and I was
completely thrown off balance by dark feelings I had never before
experienced. I sought professional help, once a friend clued me into
what might be going on. As I pulled out of this truly troubling period
in my life -- around the time the twins were about 8 or 9 months old --
I thought of the many women who did not have the resources I had and
were struggling with their deep, debilitating depression (PPD is
estimated to strike at least 15-20% of all new mothers). I became
involved in organizations that sought to educate and heighten awareness
on PPD. Although I would not wish PPD on my worst enemy, I am a richer
and more empathetic person for having gone through it. I had no qualms
about revealing that I had sought professional help for my PPD to the
CIA during a subsequent medical exam required to serve overseas. I
wanted to be honest about my experiences and indeed, felt wiser and
more mentally healthy as a result.

It's direct, and entirely credible.  Notice the statement, "I
would not wish PPD on my worst enemy."



( href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/valerie-plame-wilson/on-iraq-postpartum-depr_b_70077.html">Source)