Brooke Shields to speak candidly about finding the mental strength
to live life to the fullest
Brooke Shields
Brooke Shields has modeled on the covers of hundreds of magazines, has maintained a successful career in television and theatre, and is a best-selling author.
Despite her accomplishments, Shields wasn’t spared from struggling just like the rest of us at certain times in her life. A tumultuous relationship with her mother and manager, coping with the loss of her father, a demanding life in the public eye, and challenges as a new mother – all impacted her well-being.
Today, Shields speaks openly about how she overcame these challenges to help others. This spring, she will bring her powerful message of hope and healing to Naples as the featured guest at Sound Minds®, the annual signature event of David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health (DLC).
About Postpartum Depression
In her bestselling memoir, Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression, Shields shared with the world her deeply personal experience with postpartum depression (PPD) – a widely misunderstood, yet common illness that affects one out of seven mothers. PPD is one of the most common medical conditions that a mother can experience after birth.
A mother with PPD may experience intense feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. PPD extends beyond the “baby blues,” which affects 80% of new mothers and lasts up to the first few weeks of birth. The symptoms can be so severe that they limit a new mother’s ability to take care of their baby or complete their daily activities.
In her memoir, Shields discusses the illness in the context of her life, including her struggle to get pregnant, the high expectations placed on her as a new mother, as well as the role of her loved ones as she struggled to attain her maternal footing amidst her disabling depression.
“Going through postpartum depression was the most frightening and devastating challenge I had faced,” writes Shields in Down Came the Rain. “I had felt deep sadness and loss, but I had never before faced such acute fear or had such a strong desire to die.”
Ultimately, Shields found a way out through talk therapy, medication, and time. She learned that the symptoms of PPD were out of her control. However, treatment and the healing process were not.
“I have always thought that going to therapy shows strength rather than weakness in a person, Shields added. “Though it can be hard and uncomfortable and not exactly what I would categorize as fun, the long-term positive effects outweigh any short-term pain.”
Hearing from someone with lived experience who has found hope and purpose in helping others find their way, is the proven format for the DLC Sound Minds fundraiser. Shields’ work as a mental health advocate made her the perfect guest for this year’s event.
About Sound Minds
DLC’s Sound Minds signature event will be held on March 21, at 5 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. As the demand for mental health and substance use services continues to skyrocket in Collier County, DLC will utilize the event to raise critical funding to provide access to care for children, families, and adults.
Amy & John Quinn
John and Dr. Amy Quinn will serve as the chairs and their Fountain 33 Foundation is the presenting sponsor. The education partner is Naples Children & Education Foundation.
In a conversation with moderator Jennifer Trammell, Shields will deftly navigate between heartfelt and humorous. She will speak candidly about her career trajectory and life in the public eye and her experiences as a mother. Attendees will find her story resonates with their own lives, as Shields talks openly about finding the mental and emotional strength to live life to the fullest.
“Hearing from someone with lived experience who has found hope, help, and purpose in helping others find their way, is why Amy and I are proud to Chair this year’s Sound Minds event,” said John Quinn, Managing Director of Fountain 33.
“This event not only shines a spotlight on mental health awareness but also reminds us that mental health issues can impact anyone at any time,” added Dr. Amy Quinn. “The event is so powerful because it helps reduce the stigma around talking openly about our struggles with mental health.”
How to Purchase Tickets:
Tickets begin at $400 and include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and admission to the main program, which will feature a Q&A with Brooke Shields and exclusive details about DLC’s plans to meet the skyrocketing demand for services in SWFL. There is also a VIP experience option, with the opportunity to meet Shields and enjoy a Ritz-curated dinner, at $1,500. A variety of sponsorships are available for those who wish to attend with friends or colleagues. For more information, visit DLCSoundMinds.org or contact Victoria Grimaldo at victoriag@DLCenters.org or 239.354.1445.