Postpartum Depression and Losing Custody

Will suffering from post-partum depression cause you to lose custody?

Post-partum depression (“PPD”) is a serious condition.  It is not unusual for a new mother to suffer from post-partum depression.  If you think you are suffering from PPD, please see your medical professional immediately.  Admitting that you are suffering from PPD is not a sign of weakness.  I’d rather have a client who is being treated for PPD than a client who is ignoring their PPD and subjecting themselves and those around them to unnecessary harm.

Here are some of the signs of PPD as described by the American Pregnancy Association:

• Fatigue
• Feeling sad, hopeless, and/or overwhelmed
• Trouble sleeping and eating
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Losing interest in things that you used to enjoy
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• No interest in your baby
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby

If you are suffering from these symptoms, please address them immediately rather than ignore them, especially if you are going through a custody battle.  Many women think that it hurts their case if they are being treated for PPD.  However, I believe the opposite is true.  It’s much easier for me as an attorney to argue that you are being treated for any issues that you may be having rather than arguing that you aren’t suffering from PPD when you clearly have the signs of PPD.  The last thing a Family Court Judge in South Carolina will do is risk the safety of a child, so if you are suffering from PPD or think you may be, please speak to your doctor. Together we can craft a game plan to help your custody case.