Ariana Sutton, a 36-year-old mother of three from Norton, Massachusetts, died by suicide on May 31, 2023, just nine days after giving birth to twins. Her husband, Tyler Sutton, a police officer, said that she suffered from postpartum depression, a serious mental health condition that affects some women after childbirth.
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What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is an intense and sometimes longer-lasting depression that occurs after having a baby, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can cause feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt, hopelessness, and difficulty bonding with the baby. It can also affect the mother’s ability to care for herself and her family.
PPD is not the same as the “baby blues”, which are mild and short-lived mood changes that many women experience after giving birth. PPD is more severe and persistent, and can interfere with daily functioning. PPD can affect any woman who gives birth, regardless of her age, race, income, or previous mental health history.
The exact causes of PPD are not fully understood, but some possible factors include hormonal changes, physical stress, emotional stress, lack of social support, previous history of depression or anxiety, and complications during pregnancy or delivery. PPD can also be triggered by traumatic events such as premature birth, infant illness, or maternal death.
How Common is Postpartum Depression?
According to the CDC, about one in eight women in the United States experience symptoms of PPD in the year after giving birth. However, this number may be an underestimate, as many women do not seek help or report their symptoms due to stigma, shame, or lack of awareness. PPD can also affect fathers and partners who may experience similar feelings after the birth of a child.
PPD is a treatable condition that can be managed with medication, psychotherapy, or both. However, many women do not receive adequate treatment due to barriers such as cost, access, or availability of mental health services. Some women may also fear being judged or labeled as bad mothers if they admit to having PPD.
What Happened to Ariana Sutton?
Ariana Sutton was a dance instructor and co-owner of Starline Academy in Stoughton, Massachusetts. She was also a member of the Greater Brockton Dance Teacher’s Association. She loved being a mom to her 4-year-old daughter Melody and was excited to welcome twins Everly Irene and Rowan Stephen on May 22.
However, Ariana had a history of PPD that began after the birth of Melody in 2018. She experienced severe symptoms that required two hospitalizations. She was able to recover with the help of medication and therapy. She was seeing a psychologist weekly and her OB-GYN was aware of her condition when she became pregnant with twins.
Tyler Sutton said that he was nervous but hopeful that his wife would be OK the second time around. They had a plan in place to monitor her mental health and provide support. However, things took a turn for the worse when the twins were born several weeks premature and had to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Ariana became distraught and blamed herself for their early arrival. She said she wanted them back in her belly. Tyler tried to reassure her that they were fine and that they had a great team of doctors and nurses caring for them. But he could not get through to her. He said she had a voice in her head that drowned out all the positive things and told her she was a bad mom and that everything was her fault.
On the morning of May 31, Ariana pumped breast milk for the twins and seemed to be doing better. Tyler felt relieved that she was out of bed. He left for work around 7:30 a.m., thinking she was OK. He called her around 9:30 a.m., but she did not answer. He called again at 10:30 a.m., but still no answer. He became worried and asked his mother-in-law to check on her. She found Ariana dead in their bedroom. She had taken her own life.
Tyler said he was shocked and devastated by his wife’s death. He said he had no idea that she was suicidal or that PPD could be so deadly. He said he wished he had known more about PPD and how to help his wife. He said he wanted to share his story to raise awareness and prevent other families from suffering the same tragedy.
How Can We Prevent Postpartum Depression?
PPD is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires attention and intervention. There are some steps that can be taken to prevent or reduce the risk of PPD, such as:
- Seeking prenatal care and screening for depression during pregnancy and after delivery.
- Talking to your health care provider about your mental health and any concerns you may have.
- Taking care of your physical health by eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly.
- Seeking social support from your partner, family, friends, or other mothers who have gone through PPD.
- Joining a support group or online community for women with PPD.
- Seeking professional help from a mental health provider if you experience symptoms of PPD.
- Calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
PPD is not a sign of weakness or failure. It is a medical condition that can affect anyone. It is not your fault and you are not alone. There is help and hope available. You can recover from PPD and enjoy motherhood and life again.
