When you get pregnant, everyone is so quick to tell you all the joys of motherhood, all the horrors of pregnancy, the joys of pregnancy. But they never tell you the horrors you may face after pregnancy, or in some cases, during pregnancy. Post partum depression.
Much like a lot of other things, PPD used to be very “taboo”, it was not highly talked about, instead, they called it “baby blues”, making it sound as if all you do is shed a few tears after baby is born and that’s it.
Even in today’s society it’s still not talked about nearly as much as it should be. PPD/PPA (as well as many other post partum issues) are very real, and left untreated, can be very dangerous.
I suffered from it, still do. I don’t hide it. Instead I embrace it. It has been a huge struggle in my life. In the beginning I wasn’t even aware I was going through it. Why? Because it’s not something they openly offer education on.
You go to your post partum checkup, most doctors ask how you are healing, check you our physically. But not all check to see how you are doing mentally. I don't know about you, but NONE of mine ever asked if I was okay mentally.
It took a HUGE breakdown for me to realize something was seriously wrong. The feeling of rage, hate, wanting to hide in my room, wanting nothing to do with anyone. Not even leaving the room with the baby.
Many ask, how is it that three years later I could still be struggling with it. Simple. Because it doesn't just go away. However, the "struggle" isn't really so much a struggle anymore. Through lots of help I have learned to reach out when I am feeling mentally "not okay".
I talk to women on a daily basis facing these same struggles, I will tell you the same thing I tell them. It's all about coping skills and being willing to talk about it. Should you find yourself dealing with PPD/PPA, or any form of depression at all, these steps are super important:
- Talk to your doctor
- Talk to your spouse or someone you trust
- NEVER hide suicidal thoughts, reach out for help!
- Get out of the house, even if it is only for a short walk (keeping yourself locked away only makes it worse)
- Stay away from alcohol while feeling like this, alcohol will only make it worse
- Find something that makes you happy (music, reading a book, crafting, exercise)
- REPEAT: TALK TO SOMEONE! For me it was easiest to lean on my online friends.
Talking about the issue is the first step to realizing that there is a problem. Facing it head on will help you fight the battle. Keep fighting, not just for you, but for your kids.
You are not alone.
your story is not over;
Helpful Links:
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
In a crisis:
Text HOME to 741741
Or call:
- 1-800-273-8255