Ariana Sutton was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her twins. But the reality of postpartum depression became "too much to bear" for the new mother.
Trigger Warning: This article contains themes of suicide, and postpartum depression that some readers may find distressing.
Ariana Sutton, a 36-year-old mother of three, died by suicide on May 31, just nine days after giving birth to twins according to PEOPLE. Ariana's untimely death has brought attention to the devastating effects of postpartum depression (PPD) and the urgent need for increased awareness and support surrounding this condition. A resident of Norton, she was married to Easton police officer Tyler Sutton, and together they share three children.
A mom died by suicided 9 days after giving birth to twins.
— Conz Preti ®️ (@conz) June 7, 2023
We — as a society — don't treat postpartum depression with as much urgency as it requires. I had the darkest thoughts I've ever had in my life after giving birth. I scared myself. https://t.co/cXq6O2rlJJ
Her husband's brother, Jason Sutton, described Ariana as a "very gentle, kind human being" whose greatest joy in life was being a mother. "Two weeks ago, we were calling him saying, 'Congratulations,' and putting cards together for him,” police Chief Keith Boone told WCVB-TV. “Now, we're preparing for a funeral.” The birth of the twins, Everly Irene and Rowan Stephen, was a long-awaited blessing for Ariana. "Unfortunately, their early arrival brought unforeseen challenges, placing an immense strain on Ariana's mental health," stated the GoFundMe set-up for Ariana.
The fundraiser further stated, "Despite her relentless efforts to seek help, the burden of postpartum depression became too much to bear." She is also survived by "a beautiful 4-year-old daughter, Melody Ki Sutton, who now faces the heartbreaking reality of growing up without her mother." The campaign also aims at raising awareness about " postpartum depression and the importance of mental health care during and after pregnancy."
Sutton was not only a "vibrant and devoted mother" but also an accomplished professional. She co-owned the Starline Academy for the Performing Arts in Stoughton with her sister for the past eight years. “Our hearts are broken as we navigate life without Ariana, an irreplaceable member of our family,” wrote Kiley Sutton, Ariana’s sister-in-law, in a Facebook post on Monday, June 5. At present, the twins are receiving care in the neonatal intensive care unit at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton, where they are expected to remain until the end of the month. The community has rallied around the Sutton family, with more than $315,000 raised through the GoFundMe campaign to support them during this difficult time.
1. the US is one of the most dangerous countries in the world to give birth
— Christie Pitts 💫 (@imchristiepitts) June 8, 2023
2. the most dangerous time is the first 6 weeks postpartum
3. a majority of deaths are preventable
4. a large driver of maternal mortality is suicide
*maternal mental health matters* https://t.co/Aus7jrQbsf
"It's so important that you ask for help. If another family's able to avoid what we're going through right now, it's worth it to share our story," sister-in-law Catherine Sutton said during an interview with The Enterprise. As the family and friends of Ariana Sutton grieve her loss, they emphasize the importance of seeking help and raising awareness about postpartum depression. They hope that their tragic experience can serve as a catalyst for change, preventing other families from enduring the same devastating consequences.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or go to 988lifeline.org.
References:
https://www.facebook.com/sutton.ki/posts/10225314482589255
https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-arianas-memory-and-supporting-the-young
https://www.wcvb.com/article/easton-police-postpartum-awareness-ariana-sutton-death/44100521#
Cover Image Source: GoFundMe
