Actress Brooke Shields recently announced that she is pregnant with her second child.
An announcement of that type would be the usual celebrity fare if it wasn't for the fact that Brooke Shields suffered from a case of post-partum depression after the birth of her first child, wrote a book about it - Down Came The Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression, and got a lot of flack for it from actor and Scientologist Tom Cruise. So it's bit more of a story that Shields has decided to take a chance a weather the storm again.

Postpartum depression, as many of you know, is no joke and it should not be confused with the baby blues - as many new mothers believe it often is at first.

Shields finally sought therapy and drug therapy treatment for her depression and managed to work through it, but this time as she embarks on her second pregnancy she will be better prepared for what could possible lay ahead of her...

1. She recognizes the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression

2. She knows the best course of treatment specific for her

3. She probably knows the type of other support systems she need around her

4. She knows things that she needs to do beforehand to lessen the severity

5. And then there's always the chance that she won't suffer from postpartum this pregnancy

Having suffered from postpartum depression myself with two out of three pregnancies - I know its a tough battle. So I wish Brooke much success and applaud her for bringing out of the dark the pain and guilt that many new mothers suffer in silence.

---

Lisa Angelettie is an author, counselor, & coach on mental health, relationship, and other life issues for women. You can also visit her at www.GirlShrink.com for some Free Advice. Please visit us for more discussion on this topic in the depression forum to talk about it further. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for topics in the news, new articles, website & book reviews, and other useful mental health resources. Subscribe below.