BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — After a Brevard County mother allegedly killed her three young children, mental health experts are speaking out about the issue of mental illness following childbirth.
Investigators have only said that Jessica McCarty, 33, has a history of mental illness. It's unclear if the Palm Bay mother suffers from postpartum depression.
A local psychologist said postpartum depression is one of the most common complications of childbirth.
"It is absolutely a real mental illness," Dr. Amanda Janner said.
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Janner has never treated McCarty, who is accused in the deaths of her 7-year-old daughter, 8-year-old son and 5-month-old baby. There's no indication that McCarty has ever been involuntarily hospitalized because of a mental illness.
Janner said roughly 15 to 20 percent of women deal with postpartum depression after pregnancy. Women can also experience postpartum anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and psychosis.
Experts say it can be difficult for family and friends to pick up on because some women hide the symptoms.
"There is this expectation, I'm a new mother, I should be happy," Janner said.
Orlando Health started offering free help to central Florida mothers two years ago. Jasimine Thompson coordinates "Mothers Matter," which aims to treat the depression before it worsens.
"It's scary. No one wants anyone to question or judge their ability as a mother," Thompson said.
WFTV
