In loving memory of her twin sister, Jennifer Gibbs Bankston, and her nephew, Graham Gibbs Bankston, Zone triathlete Becky Lavelle has established Jenny’s Light, a foundation created to spread awareness, educate and help support women and families dealing with postpartum illness.

“I will continue racing in their honor, and I will help spread awareness of perinatal mood disorders with the foundation my family and friends have helped create,” Becky said.

On Dec. 19, 2007, Jenny and Graham fell victim to a perinatal mood disorder. Jenny suffered silently with a severe form of postpartum depression that could have detected and treated with proper medial care.

“We strive to stop this type of tragedy from happening in others,” Becky said.

You are not alone
Approximately 15 percent (one in seven) of all pregnant women will experience some type of perinatal mood disorder.

It’s treatable
One hundred percent of perinatal mood disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety and psychosis are treatable with proper medical care.

The mission
The mission of Jenny’s Light is to improve detection and treatment of all perinatal mood disorders, such as postpartum depression, by funding continuing education, research and supportive efforts.

More than 50 percent (250,000-plus) of Mothers in the United States will go through this alone without treatment. Many feel ashamed for having symptoms of these disorders. Jenny’s Light wants to help change that. The foundation strives to help mothers, children and families around the world. By expanding access to care and support for new mothers through its community of volunteers, physicians, educators and legislatures, the foundation hopes to save life.

Symptoms of postpartum depression
A perinatal mood disorder is an illness, like diabetes or heart disease. Depression that occurs within one year of childbirth may be postpartum depression. A woman may have perinatal mood disorder if she experiences symptoms for at least two weeks.

The symptoms of postpartum depression include: Often feeling sad or down; frequent crying or tantrums; feeling restless, irritable or anxious; loss of interest in pleasures of life; loss of appetite or increased appetite; less energy and motivation to do things; difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much; feeling worthless, hopeless or guilty; unplanned weight loss or gain; feeling that life isn’t worth living; showing little interest in your baby.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with you doctor or a mental-health professional as soon as possible.

For more information, visit www.jennyslight.org. To learn more about Becky, visit www.beckylavelle.com.