Janet "The Laundress": A Mother's Story of Postpartum Psychosis and Recovery

Kathy Morelli
Jun 25
4 min read

Janet courageously shares her recovery from postpartum psychosis to help other mothers recognize the warning signs, seek treatment, and know that healing is possible.

Editor's Note (Updated 2026): This recovery story was originally published in 2012 and has been updated with current terminology, educational information, and crisis resources. Janet's personal story remains unchanged and is shared with permission to help raise awareness that postpartum psychosis is a treatable medical emergency and that recovery is possible.

THINK BEFORE YOU READ

Janet’s story is graphic, yet it is a story of recovery.

Janet's story contains descriptions of postpartum psychosis and psychiatric hospitalization that some readers may find distressing.

If you are currently experiencing scary thoughts, things that seem like hallucinations or delusions. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please do not continue reading.

Instead, seek immediate medical attention or ask someone you trust to take you to the nearest emergency department.

Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency, and effective treatment is available.

Every story shared by a mother who has recovered from postpartum psychosis has the power to save another family.

Janet, known online as "The Laundress," courageously shares her experience to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind other mothers that recovery is possible. Click here for her story.

Today, Janet is a loving mother, working professional, and advocate for maternal mental health.

By sharing her journey, she echoes the message of Postpartum Support International:

You are not alone.

You are not to blame.

With help, you will get better.

Today Janet is recovered.

She is a loving mother and also working outside the home. She lives in New York City. Monday February 27, 2012, was the actual date she published her story for others to read, and was her 40th birthday.

What Is Postpartum Psychosis?

It is a separate condition from postpartum depression and anxiety.

Screening & Prevention is Important

This condition occurs in approximately 1 in 1000 deliveries, meaning that 1 in 1000 women suffer from this illness after childbirth. Women are most susceptible to psychosis after the first thirty days after childbirth.

The most significant risk factor for postpartum psychosis is:

previously diagnosed (or possibly undiagnosed) bipolar disorder
previous psychotic episode
family history of schizophrenia or bipolar illness.

For three years, I worked in a center for the severely mentally ill, and seeing a psychotic state is pretty unnerving, especially if you are seeing it for the first time.

Warning Signs of Postpartum Psychosis

not sleeping for a few nights in a row
delusions
speaking about nonsensical beings
thoughts about evil beings, death, blood
intense fear
mumblings
robotic movements
stiff
acting as if she can hear words coming from somewhere else (an indication of hearing voices or command language in her head)
staring
flat affect
deflated speech
one word answers
catatonia
staring
paranoia

If You Suspect Postpartum Psychosis

Stay with the mother.
Do not leave her alone with the baby.
Do not argue with delusions.
Seek immediate psychiatric evaluation.
Call 911 (or your local emergency services) if safety is at risk.

Important to Remember:

Postpartum psychosis is considered a psychiatric emergency.
You cannot talk a person out of their delusions.
Best to nod your head, listen, and GET HELP IMMEDIATELY.
The person is not faking it
The person is ill, and needs help, not ridicule or fear

Early recognition and treatment save lives. If something doesn't feel right after childbirth, trust your instincts and seek help immediately. Recovery is possible.

Hope After Postpartum Psychosis

Janet's story reminds us that postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency—but it is also a treatable condition. With early recognition, appropriate medical care, the support of loved ones, and ongoing treatment, recovery is possible.

By sharing her experience, Janet has helped reduce stigma and remind other mothers and families that they are not alone. If her story encourages even one woman to seek help sooner, it has accomplished something truly meaningful.

If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms of postpartum psychosis, seek emergency medical care immediately. Help is available, and recovery is possible.

The thing is, mental illness at this time of life affects the mom and her family. Maternal mental health has a profound effect on the family system.

Get Help Immediately

Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency. If you or someone you love is experiencing hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion, paranoia, or frightening thoughts after childbirth, seek emergency medical care immediately.

You do not have to face this alone. Help is available.

Emergency Help

Call 911 (or your local emergency services) if there is an immediate risk of harm.
Go to the nearest Emergency Department for urgent psychiatric evaluation.
Call or text 988 (U.S.) to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are in emotional crisis or need immediate support.

Postpartum Support International (PSI) provides education, resources, support groups, and referrals to clinicians specializing in perinatal mental health.

HelpLine (Call or Text):📞 1-800-944-4773 (English & Spanish)
Text "Help" to 800-944-4773 (English) Text "Ayuda" to 971-203-7773 (Spanish)
Website:https://www.postpartum.net

Additional Resources

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA): https://www.dbsalliance.org

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in 2012 and has been substantially updated in July 2026 with current educational information, crisis resources, and related articles. Janet's personal story remains unchanged and is shared with permission.