Testimonials

For years I would dread the full week before menstruation. My cramps were so intense, and I felt bloated as well, yet even more disturbing was my emotional state! I was a wreck - angry, anxious and irritable! All my friends suffered from monthly cramps too, so when I complained, the attitude was basically, “It happens to all of us, get over yourself.” I knew I wasn’t suffering from normal Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), complete debilitation is not normal! Without the support of my friends, I decided to call SPARKS. I had been to one of their Awareness Evenings and so I figured I’d try them and see if they can help me. SPARKS became my support. They referred me to one of their doctors who diagnosed me with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), a more severe form of PMS. Now that I have a diagnosis, I have many treatment options. I have a stronger prescription medication that I take when necessary, but I've almost completely learned how to control my condition through dietary modifications. Today, I feel like a whole new person. I have no words to thank SPARKS and their dedicated team of professionals; I now have my life back!”  

"For about a week and a half after my baby was born, I would find myself constantly crying for no apparent reason. I was always a put together person and far from an emotional basket case. I didn’t understand my new behavior at all; it was so not like me! Sometimes I would feel overwhelmed, especially when I was up at night with my son. Once I even thought that I had made a big mistake having a child. These thoughts and feelings were terrifying me and I knew I needed to do something about it. After some time, I found the courage to call SPARKS. They provided me with literature, gave me expert guidance and were there for me all the way through. SPARKS handled everything with the utmost sensitivity and expertise. I don’t know where I’d be today without them."

“I was so excited about having our baby girl. My pregnancy had gone smoothly. I had been warned about the “Baby Blues,” but I just couldn’t shake the tears and sadness that seemed to get deeper and darker every day. I would just stay in bed and cry. I lost all interest in my family and friends. Even more frightening, I didn’t feel anything for my beautiful daughter. Feeding, diapering and bathing her were a chore I would have rather done without. I couldn’t even bring myself to hug her and kiss her. I started to think ugly thoughts that nearly drove me to insanity. A friend suggested that I contact SPARKS. I was a little hesitant; I didn’t want the whole world to know that I became crazy. After much convincing I finally dialed the number. From that moment on I was on the road to recovery. I quickly learned that I was suffering from a very common and curable condition called Postpartum Depression (PPD), and the most exciting part of it all I was told that I wasn’t crazy! SPARKS set me up with a professional therapist and I joined their Support Group. I was comforted knowing that I was in good and safe hands, with everything being done with great care and confidentiality. In a short while I was back to myself, being the great mother that I always knew I could be!.”