TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains information about suicide, which may be triggering to some.
Sadly, Ariana Sutton gave birth just nine days before her life ended. The 36-year-old mother from Norton, Massachusetts, died by suicide on May 31. Her family is attributing her death to tremendous mental strain resulting from the premature birth of her twins, Everly Irene and Rowan Stephen Sutton. In addition to her twin son and daughter, the young mother leaves behind her 4-year-old daughter, Melody Ki, and husband, Stephen "Tyler" Sutton, an Easton Police Department officer.
Her family hopes to bring attention to the importance of caring for women after birth, both physically and mentally. Easton Police Chief Keith Boone, speaking on behalf of the family, told WCBV that Sutton's death is a tragic example of how tough it can be for new moms. He asked that people save their judgment and educate themselves on postpartum depression.
More from CafeMom: MA Mom Lindsay Clancy May Have Had Postpartum Anxiety Before Allegedly Killing Her 2 Kids
The twins came early.
Joseph Fitzgerald and Daniel Flaherty created a GoFundMe account on behalf of the Sutton family and gave a brief background story. Ariana Sutton was a devoted mother who couldn't wait for the birth of her son and daughter. The twins came early, and along with the premature birth came "unforeseen challenges," the fundraising page explains.
The pressure caused extreme emotional distress for the young mom.
"Despite her relentless efforts to seek help, the burden of postpartum depression became too much to bear. Our hearts break for Ariana, her babies, and the Sutton family as they now face the unimaginable task of moving forward without her," the description continued.
Postpartum depression is real, and it is serious.
The police chief told WCBV his officer's wife's death was a complete shock.
"Two weeks ago, we were calling him saying, 'Congratulations,' and putting cards together for him. Now, we're preparing for a funeral," Boone said. "He's got a long road ahead of him to put the pieces back together of his life."
Because no one expected such a tragic turn of events, Boone encouraged others to check in on loved ones who had just had a baby and to be aware of signs of postpartum depression. He reiterated the importance of seeking professional help as a mother or a loved one who suspects something is wrong.
"If (Tyler's) story and Ariana's story can help save somebody else, then that's what he's hoping he can accomplish," Boone said.
Postpartum depression affects millions of moms each year.
The physical strain of giving birth is often paired with an equally challenging mental load. Many women suffer in silence and, sadly, their mental health struggles can end in tragedy. According to postpartumdepression.org, as many as 1 in 7 women suffers postpartum depression after giving birth.
Symptoms generally last three to six months, but the duration can vary. The organization reports that as many as 50% of women with postpartum depression never receive a diagnosis from a medical professional.
In the United States, an estimated 600,000 moms receive a postpartum depression diagnosis each year, according to postpartumdepression.org. This number represents live birth. That number can jump to 900,000 if women who suffer a miscarriage or stillbirth are included.
And it's not just moms. Studies have shown that approximately 50% of men whose partners suffer from postpartum depression experience the symptoms themselves.
Postpartum depression has seen extensive coverage in recent months.
In light of the Lindsay Clancy case, postpartum depression and other mental health issues affecting moms have people talking.
Clancy allegedly killed her three children in January and then reportedly attempted suicide by jumping out a second-story window. Her lawyers contend the mother of three suffered postpartum depression and potentially postpartum psychosis but that doctors did not properly manage her mental health. Clancy is due in court July 25 on charges related to the deaths of her children.
More from CafeMom: Lindsay Clancy 911 Dispatch Released Ahead of Arraignment for Allegedly Killing 3 Kids
Family and friends lovingly remember Ariana Sutton.
According to her obituary, the mom of three graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in 2009, with a bachelor of fine arts degree in dance education. Sutton was a member of the Impact Dance Company in Boston and worked for Starline Academy for the Performing Arts for five years before purchasing the business with her sister, Raya Flaherty, and running it for the next eight years. She also was a member of the Greater Brockton Dance Teacher's Association.
"Ariana thrived at inspiring children with the joys of dance and was an avid animal lover. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her daughter Melody," the obituary reads.
The GoFundMe page organized for Sutton's family has raised more than $300,000 of its $400,000 goal thus far.
"The Sutton family finds solace in the love and support of their family and friends. They are surrounded by loved ones who are holding them close during their time of sorrow. This campaign serves as an opportunity for friends, family, and the community to rally together and demonstrate our unwavering support for the Suttons in their time of need," the page reads.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
