Welcome to Skagit County

January 4, 2016

Public Health brings documentary about American motherhood

MOUNT VERNON – Skagit County Public Health hosts a special screening of Dark Side of the Full Moon at the Historic Lincoln Theatre in downtown Mount Vernon on January 14 at 7 p.m.

Having a baby is supposed to be the happiest time of your life. But what if it’s not? Each year an estimated 1.3 million American women struggle to find treatment for postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorders.

Jennifer Silliman and Maureen Fura, both with firsthand knowledge of this challenge, came together to give a face and a voice to women who suffer in silence. With the help of Dr. Shoshana Bennett, Executive Producer, they produced this documentary film, uncovering disconnects within the medical community to effectively screen, refer and treat these women.One in seven women will experience a pregnancy and postpartum mood and anxiety disorder, and one in 1,000 will suffer from postpartum psychosis. However, it is the one condition during pregnancy and postpartum that is most often under-diagnosed by care providers.

Dark Side of the Full Moon is the second in a series of five films featured in Skagit’s Spotlight Film Festival. This event will feature information about perinatal mental health and local resources. Those interested can stay after the film for a discussion facilitated by Mia Edidin, LICSW, Director of Perinatal Support Washington.

Subsequent Festival films are “Having It All,” “Paper Tigers” and “Horse Boy.” Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5. For details see skagitspotlightfilmfestival.com.
More info and support for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders is available at: www.perinatalsupport.org.