Postpartum Depression and Social Media?

I read an article today (http://msrpostpartumstudy.cloudapp.net/) about Microsoft's new study to work on identifying, via social media, if new parents may be suffering from Postpartum Depression (PPD). My initial response was one of excitement. It is truly awesome, and a huge step in the right direction, that a huge conglomerate like Microsoft is stepping up and saying that more needs to be done to recognize PPD, and that we shouldn't be embarrassed to talk about it.
The skeptic in me (I call her "Evil Crystal") creeps out of the woodwork, or into my brain at 11 pm as I am trying to fall asleep, and I start thinking about this research, and what the results will look like. I think back to my own experience with PPD, and did not have Facebook as an outlet. However, I can hypothesize what my posts may have looked like...
"Motherhood is amazing! Having two kids is a breeze and I feel like our family is complete!"
OR
"I <3 being a mom! Every day is a blessing!!!"
OR
"Enjoying every minute!!!"

In reality, here is what I really would have liked to post (but never would have):
"Projectile vomiting... another change of clothes... LOL!"
OR
"Would it be OK for me to duct tape the pacifier to my daughter's face so that she may stop screaming for several hours starting at 4 am (for the fourth morning in a row)?"
OR
"Today, it took every ounce of strength to not carry out my plan to put my daughter down for a nap, pack my son up in the van, and take off to a hotel for the next six months".


PPD is so fraught with shame and embarrassment, and a job hazard of specializing in working with new parents that are struggling is that many of them have shared that they would NEVER tell people that they are having a hard time, or feeling like they may hurt themselves, or having intrusive thoughts. In fact, most of my clients actually talk about how they avoid Facebook like the plague because they see so many "My life is so perfect" themed comments. I have (unfortunately?) become a bit wary and watchful about the comments that are just a little too cheerful. So as much as I am thrilled that more research is being done, I have to admit my skepticism that they will really get solid evidence that people put comments about how hard of a time they are having (beyond, "Yawn, I am tired") for all the world to see. I hope I am wrong.

When “Crabby” means “Put me to bed”—Kids and Sleep

As we pass the 4^th of July, I am reminded about sleep deprivation. Over the week, I had the conversation with both personal friends and clients about the importance of sleep for children, and how negative behavior can be so linked with a lack of sleep.

Adults really minimize how important sleep is. I have had several parents say, “Oh, but it’s summer. Kids need to be kids”. While I don’t disagree with that statement, since when does being a kid mean not getting enough sleep?

The fact is, many kids have a set biological clock. My son is 9, and he is at the age where is BEGGING me to be allowed to stay up later (he even polled his friends at school about their bedtime!). I would love to let him do this. However, he is awake at 6:30 AM no matter what time he goes to bed, which means he really needs to be in bed by 8:30. Of course, I have occasionally allowed him to stay up later for special occasions—there are exceptions to every rule—the problem comes when parents consistently minimize the importance of getting enough sleep.

So how much is enough? According to Mary Sheedy Kurcinka, author of “Sleepless in America” (if you haven’t read it- you should! She’s also a local author!), her beliefs are that kids need the following amount of sleep over a 24 hour period (including naps):

• Infant (0-12 mos) 14-18 hours
• Toddler (13-36 mos) 13 hours
• Preschooler (37-60 mos) 12 hours
• School-age (6-12 yrs) 10-11 hours
• Adolescent (13-19 yrs) 9.25 hours
• Adult 20+ 8.25 hours

Kurcinka also talks in her book about how up to 20% of kids diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AKA ADHD) are actually suffering from a sleep disorder. 20%! That's a lot... 

I know, I know. Kids aren’t cookie cutters, but I have really found that most kids benefit from getting the amount of sleep somewhere around these averages. Some kids need even more.

At any rate, there is a huge correlation between lack of sleep and negative behaviors, physical illness, focus/attention difficulties, and hyperactivity. So if your child seems to be irritable, acting out, unfocused, getting sick frequently, etc. it is time to look at sleep hygiene.