Coping with Life: The patriotic thing to do after Independence Day

(In recognition of Independence Day, I'm reprinting a blog entry I wrote last year about postpartum depression legislation.)

Congress is just about ready to take a giant leap in the world of postpartum depression treatment.

Sen. Robert Menendez and Congressman Bobby L. Rush are finalizing postpartum-depression treatment and education legislation for its anticipated victory in the U.S. Congress.

The new name of the legislation will be "The Melanie Blocker Stokes Mom’s Opportunity to Access Help, Education, Research and Support for Postpartum Depression Act."

The lawmakers want to honor the substantial contributions each has made to this issue and continue to remember the woman - Melanie Blocker Stokes - who has become a symbol of the illness.

Blocker-Stokes was a Chicago native and pharmaceutical sales manager who, after the birth of her daughter, developed a psychosis that ultimately caused her to jump from a 12-story window ledge to her death on June 11, 2001.

The bill, if enacted, would require the secretary of Health and Human Services to expand and intensify research activities regarding postpartum depression and psychosis. The bill would also require additional support for basic and clinical research, epidemiological studies, diagnostic techniques and educational programs.

Tare still some Republicans who need some convincing.

"I assured our legislators that we will be ready to do whatever it takes - writing, blogging, calling, adding our voices, spirit and energy to help achieve this historic victory for America's mothers and children," said Susan Dowd Stone, president of Postpartum Support International.

"Julia," by the Beatles (A song that John Lennon dedicated to his mother)

Half of what I say is meaningless
But I say it just to reach you,
Julia Julia, Julia,
oceanchild, calls me
So I sing a song of love, Julia
Julia, seashell eyes,
windy smile, calls me
So I sing a song of love, Julia
Her hair of floating sky is shimmering, glimmering,
In the sun Julia, Julia,
morning moon, touch me
So I sing a song of love, Julia
When I cannot sing my heart
I can only speak my mind,
Julia Julia, sleeping sand,
silent cloud, touch me
So I sing a song of love, Julia
Hum hum hum...calls me
So I sing a song of love for Julia, Julia, Julia

Featured bloggers

SUSAN DOWD STONE
Susan has served as president of Postpartum Support International. She is a certified therapist who serves on the national board of the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. She is an adjunct assistant professor in the Silver School of Social Work at NYU, where she teaches cognitive therapies. She also writes for the Empowher blog.

ANDY BEHRMAN
Andy is a mental health writer whose autobiographical book, "Electroboy: A Memoir of Mania," has been translated into six foreign languages. His articles have been featured in The New York Times Magazine, and he was recently featured on CNN's "360" with Anderson Cooper. He currently lives mania-free in Los Angeles with his wife and daughters.

STEVE BERLIN
Steve Berlin has experience as a writer for national publications. He has had lengthy experience in the fire service, and served briefly as a high school teacher. A resident of Arlington, Va., Steve is pursuing a masters degree in public policy.

LAUREN HALE
A mother of three and survivor of Postpartum OCD, Lauren Hale now supports women and families who struggle with perinatal mood disorders. She serves as Georgia's postpartum international support coordinator, moderates message boards at iVillage for new mothers and blogs at Unexpected Blessing. Lauren is also one of the founders of The Postpartum Dads Project.