My husband Mike and I live in Germantown with our family — Austin (15), Kate (10), Cole (8), and Michael (1) — who keep us very busy with musical theater, cheer, tumbling, karate, and baseball (to name a few!). I am also a second-generation FedEx employee, where I have worked for 14 years in the field of digital marketing.
I took the title of Mrs. Germantown International in October 2019. I chose the International pageant system because the system is judged more heavily on the contestants’ pageant platform versus beauty. For those who don’t know, a pageant platform is a cause for which a contestant chooses to volunteer her time, or to bring awareness to. My platform is very dear to me — Postpartum Depression Awareness.
I experienced severe postpartum depression, anxiety, and rage for eight months after having my son, Michael. With no previous medical history of depression or anxiety, I was unaware of what I was experiencing. I didn’t seek help and attempted to overcome my “baby blues” on my own. The pain I was enduring was a downward spiral, affecting my husband and marriage, the emotional welfare of my older children, and causing a lack of bonding with my infant at the time, Michael. My family was suffering just as much as I was, and I could not see it. My husband searched for support avenues and found the Postpartum Support International (PSI) group. Through, PSI, I was put in touch with local support in the Memphis area and found the road to recovery.
I am very grateful for the love, dedication, and support from my husband. This experience has brought us closer and made us better parents. I am now an active volunteer with PSI’s phone and text support line. I have been in touch with many mothers, fathers, and family members who are in need of guidance on postpartum disorders. I am also working with local hospitals to raise awareness to pregnant mothers and new mothers. Additionally, I’m attending local childbirth classes and telling my story to help ensure that new mothers- and fathers-to-be are educated on postpartum disorders.
I am so excited to compete for the Mrs. Tennessee title on April 5th at the Bartlett Performing Arts Center. The judging is based on 50 percent interview, 25 percent evening gown, and 25 percent fitness. The interview is typically on the contestants’ platform. If I win, I will move on to the national competition in July, where I will compete against the other state winners. I am pursuing this opportunity to raise awareness on postpartum disorders and help others who may be suffering in silence as I was. This experience is allowing me to gain confidence in myself, communicate my platform, and make connections across the globe with mothers and fathers who are committed to raising awareness for postpartum.
For girls who may be considering entering pageants, my advice is to follow your dreams. Beauty is more about what’s on the inside than what is on the outside. Stand tall, let your voice be heard, and always be true to yourself.
Carrie Schween is a Germantown native with an MBA from the University of Memphis, as well as an undergraduate degree in political science, also from U of M.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after having a baby. Feelings of postpartum depression are more intense and last longer than those of “baby blues,” a term used to describe the worry, sadness, and tiredness many women experience after having a baby. “Baby blues” symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few days.
How Many Women Experience Depression?
Depression is a common and serious illness. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study revealed that about 1 out of 10 women in the United States experience symptoms of depression. Using the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), CDC research shows that nationally, about 1 in 9 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression.
Estimates of the number of women affected by postpartum depression differ by age and race/ethnicity. Additionally, postpartum depression estimates vary by state and can be as high as
1 in 5 women.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression doesn’t feel the same for everyone. How often symptoms occur, how long they last,
and how intense they may feel can be different for each person. Symptoms can include:
Lasting sad, anxious, or “empty” mood.
Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism.
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.
Feelings of irritability or restlessness.
Loss of interest in hobbies and activities.
Loss of energy.
Problems concentrating, recalling details, and making decisions.
Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much.
Overeating or loss of appetite.
Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts.
Aches or pains that do not get better
with treatment.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
How often postpartum depression symptoms occur, how long they last, and how intense they feel can be different for each person. The symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to symptoms for depression, but may also include:
Crying more often than usual.
Feelings of anger.
Withdrawing from loved ones.
Feeling numb or disconnected from your baby.
Worrying that you will hurt the baby.
Feeling guilty about not being a good mom or doubting your ability to care for the baby.
SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, cdc.gov