TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains information about suicide, which may be triggering to some.
Death by suicide is always a tragedy that can have ripple effects for years for those who are left behind or who are affected by the event, especially when the death happens in a public place. Postpartum depression is also something that can have profound impacts on those who suffer from it, as can be seen in a tragic case in California. In 2018, a woman was found dead at a California elementary school playground, and details emerged that made the tragic case even more upsetting. Police identified the victim as new mom Holly Marie Bloom and revealed that she set herself on fire at the local school while having postpartum depression.
Bloom, who was a psychotherapist in Napa, California, was discovered at Snow Elementary School after officials were called to the playground to investigate a "suspicious circumstance," according to the Napa Valley Register. There, they found the 43-year-old new mom's body near the school courtyard. Luckily, no children were there to see what happened.
More from CafeMom: Mom Suffering From Postpartum Depression Dies by Suicide 9 Days After Birth of Twins
Bloom lived near the school.
Bloom lived in an apartment complex next to the school, and police believe that she simply walked over before intentionally setting herself on fire. "Evidence at the scene indicates that she doused herself with a flammable substance and lit herself on fire," Sheriff's Capt. Steven Blower said, per the Register. The Napa County Coroner's Office ruled her death as an apparent suicide.
This was not Bloom's first suicide attempt.
The sheriff's department reported that this wasn't the first time Bloom had tried to take her own life — she had attempted suicide just the week before, according to KTVU. In the wake of her death, others are hoping this tragedy helps raise awareness for postpartum depression.
Her infant had been taken away from her.
Bloom's 4-month-old infant was removed from her care before her death, which therapist Lily Rossman believes may have played a role in this tragic case.
"No, that's the worst thing for that mom, really sad," Rossman, who specializes in pregnancy and postpartum problems but didn't treat Bloom, told KTVU. "Heartbreaking, that to me is the end of the rope."
Rossman believes the wrong decision was made in regard to custody.
According to KTVU, it's reported that only 1% of moms with postpartum depression hurt themselves or their baby, which is why Rossman believes inpatient care or home supervision would have been better than separating Bloom from her baby.
"What happened after that and where was the follow-up?" she said. "It's devastating, it's heartbreaking."
It can happen to anyone.
Rossman also notes that Bloom's experience as a social worker and counselor at Napa State Hospital shows that it can happen to anyone — even moms who are familiar with postpartum depression.
"It's really scary when you think about someone with that kind of background, who would know what the signs are," she explained to KTVU. "It's quite shocking and I wonder if part of it is the stigma of being embarrassed that you should have it all figured out when you don't."
Postpartum depression is common.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of 1 out of 10 women in the US experiences postpartum depression after giving birth.
But the rates vary by state, with some areas reporting 1 in 5 new moms having postpartum depression. It's also important to note that not all moms struggling recognize that they're dealing with postpartum depression or seek help.
It's not just the 'baby blues.'
Postpartum depression is different than new mom "baby blues." Symptoms include not connecting with baby and worrying that you'll hurt the infant, feeling angry and withdrawing from loved ones, feeling numb and guilty, crying more than usual, and feeling incapable of caring for the baby.
If you or someone you know is suffering, it's important to seek treatment instead of feeling isolated.
"How do people reach out for help, who could she have called? People are embarrassed to admit it, they feel disconnected. They do not feel happy and full of joy as expected and they don't know where to turn," Rossman added. "I think we need way more postpartum well-care for women and it's not acceptable — us as a society have let her down."
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.
