Resources for Patients and Families

Experiencing postpartum psychosis can be scary and isolating.

After an episode or diagnosis, you may be feeling alone and overwhelmed with uncertainty. Browse the resources below to feel more grounded and connected to the postpartum psychosis community.

Online Resources and Guides

Postpartum Support International

Resources include information, a HelpLine, 1-800-944-4773 and access to various support services. Click here for their page on postpartum psychosis. They also have resources to connect you with support in your state.

PSI PP Support Groups:

Action on Postpartum Psychosis (UK)

A British network, comprised of women who have experienced psychosis or bipolar disorder in relation to childbirth. This site has many helpful resources, including guides on Recovery, Helping as a Partner, and Planning for Pregnancy.

Crisis Help lines

PSI has a hotline but it is not a crisis hotline. If you are currently experiencing a crisis:

Call your physician or your local emergency number (911);
Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA; or
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988).

Inpatient Perinatal Psychiatry Programs

Postpartum Support International has an excellent list of inpatient perinatal psychiatry programs. Even if there are no specific perinatal psychiatry treatment programs near you, if you or your family believes you are experiencing postpartum psychosis, you should go to your nearest emergency room.

Books and Creative Efforts

Books

A Mom Like That: A Memoir of Postpartum Psychosis by Aaisha Alvi, Dundurn Press, 2024.
Because I’m Not Myself, You See: A memoir of motherhood, madness, & coming back from the brink by Ariane Beeston, Black Ink, 2024.
Super Sad Unicorn: A Memoir of Mania by Jessica Ekhoff, New Degree Press, 2023.
Rattled: Overcoming Postpartum Psychosis by Jen Wight, Trigger Publishing, 2022.
What Have I Done? Motherhood, Mental Illness, & Me by Laura Dockrill, Vintage, 2020.
Inferno: A Memoir of Motherhood and Madness by Catherine Cho, Henry Holt and Co., 2020.
Setting the Wire by Sarah Townsend, The Lettered Streets Press, 2019.
Birth of a New Brain: Healing from Postpartum Bipolar Disorder by Dyane Harwood, Tantor and Blackstone Publishing, 2017.
A Mother’s Climb Out of Darkness by Jennifer Hentz Moyer, Praeclarus Press, 2014.
Back In Six Weeks by Sharon Gerdes, SKG Press, 2014.
“Moving Out of Darkness” by Angela Burling in Motherhood, Mental Illness and Recovery: Stories of Hope, edited by Nikole Benders-Hadi and Mary E. Barber, Springer International Publishing, 2014.
Mother of Rain by Karen Spears Zacharias, Mercer University Press, 2013.
Moms Gone Mad: Motherhood and Madness, Oppression and Resistance by Gina Wong, Demeter Press, 2012.
Understanding Postpartum Psychosis: A Temporary Madness by Teresa Twomey, Praeger Publishers, 2009.
Beth: A Story of Postpartum Psychosis by Shirley Halvorson, AuthorHouse, 2004.
Women's Moods: What Every Woman Must Know About Hormones, the Brain, and Emotional Health by Deborah Sichel and Jeanne Watson Driscoll, William Morrow, 1999.

Creative Efforts

In Their Words Reflections from those with Lived Experience of Postpartum Psychosis
Mom Breaks A podcast sharing science and stories from parents who’ve experienced postpartum psychosis as well as other PMADs.
Not Carol (Content warning) A documentary (2019) about a women being charged with infanticide while experiencing postpartum psychosis.
When the Bough Breaks A documentary about postpartum depression, narrated by Brooke Shields, 2015.
Playing Monopoly With God Melissa Bangs shares her story of postpartum psychosis.
My Postpartum Psychosis Personal Story produced by Action on Postpartum Psychosis
“What is Postpartum Psychosis” TedX Talk by Teresa Twomey.
I Am One and Mom and Mind Maternal mental health podcasts with episodes on postpartum psychosis.

Groups and Communities

Facebook Groups

Postpartum Psychosis Activism and Advocacy
Postpartum Psychosis Forum Un-moderated but “closed” page (must request to be added). For PP survivors and those who love them to share insights, ask questions, to “meet” peers and know they are not alone. Maintained by Teresa Twomey.
Postpartum Psychosis Survivors

Other Community Groups

Cherished Mom Project dedicated to raising awareness about postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, including PPP Awareness Day and the "Is Mom Ok?" campaign.
HealthUnlocked U.K network contains a forum for PPP.
Melanie’s Battle Website dedicated to postpartum depression and psychosis.

Community Leaders and Advocates

Julia Alzoubaidi, PhD. PSI Perinatal Psychosis Program Manager and PP Taskforce Coordinator.
Sharon Gerdes. Author, Motivational Speaker, former PSI Vice-President and PR/Media Chair.
Jennifer Moyer. Author, Trainer, WRAP® Facilitator, and Mental Health Advocate.
Teresa Twomey. Speaker, Author, Former State and Legal Resources Coordinator for PSI.
Angela Burling, R.N., MSN. PSI Board Member, Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, Author.
Melissa Bangs. Storyteller, Comedian, Maternal Mental Health Consultant/Facilitator.
Kristina Dulaney, R.N. Regional PSI board member, CherishedMom founder, community advocate.

We sincerely thank Sharon Gerdes for her help in compiling these resources.