Patch Profiles: Sonia Murdock

For Sonia Murdock, treating postpartum depression and perinatal mood disorders lies in the strength of one word: support.  And for the last 12 years, that's what she has given to the women suffering from such disorders. 

"What we represent is social support," Murdock said.  "We let people know they are not alone, they are not at fault and they are not to blame."

Murdock and her cause have made great waves since 1998, when she first helped establish the Postpartum Resource Center of New York.  As of this upcoming fall, Sonia's postpartum depression program will be able to extend its helping hand further thanks to a federal appropriation grant they were awarded by Congressman Steve Israel.

Her program has always had support through volunteers and now with a paid staff, she can expand resources for telephone support, educational and training programs, and even hire a bilingual coordinator.

Between the depression program, speaking to college students and making appearances at the United Nations, there's rarely a lull in Murdock's schedule.  Last month, she was invited to the UN headquarters by the UN's NGO (non-governmental organization) Health Committee.  That marked her second visit to the UN, as she had previously spoke at headquarters six years ago.

 "It was a great honor," Murdock said.  "Some of these countries consider depression low on the scale compared to AIDS and poverty and war.

"Six years later, the health organization recognized the importance of mental health and how its affects are being taken very seriously."

Murdock has had a first hand account in witnessing these serious affects, as her sister suffered from perinatal mood disorder.  Today, she reports that her sister is doing great.

"We're very fortunate that our story has a happy ending," she said.  "For other families there's been tragedy and our agency looks to prevent that."

Her most recognizable attachment to the Postpartum Resource Center has been receiving help through organizations, such as the Sound of Silence, Friends of the Postpartum Resource Center.  Murdock spoke very highly of the committee started by Erin Riley and her sister Lisa, who received personal assistance from the resource center. The committee hosts a 5K run at Jones Beach every May to raise money and awareness of perinatal mood disorders.

Whether it is strength in numbers or strength from within, Murdock has definitely left a her mark on her community. As a recent inductee into the brand new and exclusive Suffolk Women's Wall of Fame, she considers the honor a responsibility as much as a reward.

"It's responsibility receiving honors such as that, to be a role model for other people," she said. "Help other people as you are called to do."

What can we expect next from Sonia Murdock?

Aside from working on her own book detailing her unexpected journey in dealing with perinatal disorders, she has her heart set on a specific vision; to create a full service day treatment program. The mental health providers, medication, family educational and treatment classes this facility would provide will no only be readily available for Suffolk, but for other counties as well.

"Looking to see how I can make a difference in someone's life is what drives me," Murdock said. "I always feel like I'm planting seeds of hope."

For more information about postpartum disorder, visit PostpartumNY.org