5 Things To Learn About Postpartum Depression From Jean Elie And Lauren Lapkus’ Roles In Another Happy Day

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As a lifestyle expert with extensive experience in mental health awareness, I must say that Another Happy Day is an enlightening and poignant portrayal of postpartum depression from the perspectives of both new mothers and fathers. Having worked closely with families navigating similar situations, I can attest to the importance of understanding this often misunderstood condition and breaking the stigma surrounding it.

As an over-the-moon admirer, I can’t contain my excitement to share that the hilarious film “Another Happy Day,” starring the brilliant Jean Elie from Insecure and the fabulous Lauren Lapkus from Orange Is The New Black, is now available for streaming! This movie, which offers a unique comic take on postpartum depression, had its premiere at the Vail Film Festival in December 2023. You can catch it right now on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV – don’t miss out on this must-see production!

The film revolves around Lapkus (Joanna), an artist and new mom, who is not well-equipped with taking care of her newborn and upset about not making any art. 

The official synopsis of the movie dubs Joanna as “a total nut” who is “desperate for some company” after giving birth. It also stars Elie as Lapkus’ husband (Lucien), who considers himself a mothering expert and is navigating through the ups and down of postpartum depression from a father’s POV. 

In an interview with People Magazine, Jean Elie and Lauren Lapkus discussed the lessons they learned about postpartum depression from the online premiere of their film, “Another Happy Day.

Following their interview, let’s explore five insights into postpartum depression drawn from Elie and Lapkus’ personal experiences with the condition.

1) What is Postpartum Depression? Understanding the condition 

Speaking to the aforementioned publication, Jean Elie said he “didn’t really know too much about postpartum, and what it’s like” prior to being cast as Lucien. 

For new parents, it’s crucial to grasp the intricacies of postpartum depression to manage it effectively. Postpartum depression, as explained by Cleveland Clinic, is a type of depression that develops following childbirth.

As an over-the-moon parent, I’ve come to realize that the rollercoaster of emotions, hormonal fluctuations, physical transformations, financial shifts, and social adjustments I’m experiencing are all part and parcel of embracing parenthood after welcoming a little one into our world.

Frequently experienced are intense shifts in mood, profound feelings of sorrow or isolation, persistent anxiety, remorse, recurrent bouts of tears, and difficulty managing the care of a newborn. This condition is commonly associated with these symptoms.

While Cleveland Clinic says at least 1 in 7 new mothers experience postpartum depression, recent studies have shown the condition can also effect new fathers. As per the UT Southwestern Medical Centre, paternal depression can occur in 1 out of 10 dads. 

2) Postpartum Depression is often ignored or misunderstood

In her interview, Lauren Lapkus expressed that postpartum depression can be subtle and often goes unnoticed. Furthermore, during the conversation about her role in the movie, she shared her hope that this film might inspire further conversations about this frequently occurring but under- portrayed life experience.

From this we learn that signs of postpartum depression are often ignored and may still be considered “underrepresented” despite being a relatively common phenomenon. 

Frequently, newly-minted parents may overlook postpartum depression, mistaking it as typical alterations following childbirth or a common occurrence known as the “baby blues,” experienced by up to 75% of parents shortly after birth.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, baby blues might start during the first week following childbirth and typically resolve on their own within a fortnight, usually without requiring any specific treatment.

Indeed, it’s crucial to understand that postpartum depression isn’t just like the “baby blues,” but rather a significant condition that demands attention from professionals. Neglecting treatment can be harmful, so it should never be ignored.

3) Paternal depression can make you feel lonely 

During a conversation, Jean Elie shared that his experience in Another Happy Day made him realize that as a man, it’s possible to still feel lonely within a relationship, despite the couple’s plans to do things together.

The biggest takeaway from the statement is in terms of fatherhood, postpartum depression can make a man feel that he is alone in the relationship, despite planning to start a family together with his partner. 

Based on findings from UT Southwestern Medical Centre, it’s noteworthy that fathers share similar desires as mothers to be involved in the new family experience. However, certain fathers dealing with postpartum depression may feel detached or disconnected from the mother and newborn.

4) Postpartum depression in new moms can affect their partners too

Regarding the character Lucien in Another Happy Day, Elie commented that Lucien seemed to be on his own, struggling to raise a child who appeared indifferent towards their offspring.

The research from UT Southwestern Medical Centre reveals that when a woman experiences postpartum depression, it may also cause symptoms of depression in approximately half of her male partners.

5) The key is be there for each other and navigating through the situation together 

Highlighting the importance of new parents being there for each, Elie said, “You guys symbiotically need each other.” He also mentioned how as a man, “all I can do is try to do as much as I possibly can to either make her life easier or to be of assistance.” 

One key point from this statement emphasizes the need for new parents to value their connection with one another, appreciating the significance of mutual involvement as they navigate through this fresh life stage together.

If either party exhibits symptoms of postpartum depression, it’s crucial to reach out for professional assistance and explore treatments such as couples counseling, individual therapy, mindfulness practices, and other recommended therapies suggested by mental health professionals.

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2024-10-12 10:07