Monday, March 19, 2012

Post-Partum Depression: Surving and Thriving

It seems like not that long ago that I wrote a post admitting I had post-partum depression...and here I am now, on the other side. YES it does get better. YES that crushing weight on your chest will go away. YES you will be able to look at your child with joy and wonder again. I know this because I lived this.

To be honest I got a lot of flak for writing that post. Emails were sent to me via my contact page asking why I would share such private details with the world? Why did I think it OK to use depression as a chance to grab more readers? REALLY!?!?! I kept quiet about these emails initially because I was still reeling from what I had been through, but now I feel the need to tackle them head on.

I write about PPD because IT NEEDS TO BE TALKED ABOUT. Women experiencing this need to know they are not alone, and that it can come in many forms. I can't tell you how many mom's I have met who didn't recognize the signs. I recently met a mother whose children were delayed because she DIDN'T TALK TO THEM. How might that mothers experience have been different had she realized what was happening to her? That she wasn't alone?

I am living proof that it does get better. I remember writing this post on what joy motherhood brought me, I was on top of the world. The ironic thing is that it wasn't long after, that my world started to crumble apart. I was scared, anxious, not eating, not interacting with Claire enough....totally overwhelmed. It was thanks to the wonderful women at The Pacific Postpartum Society that I was able to realize what was going on, and get the help that I so desperately needed. It is a group support system. Meaning MOTHERS TALK. They share their experiences, survival tips, and sorrow.

I owe my life to those women.

So to be quite frank with you, if you don't like a blog full of honesty, truth, inspiration, and love....well then don't read this blog. At the end of the day I truly hope that my writing has made a difference in even just one woman's life.

peace, love, and pickles


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6 comments:

  1. This is a fabulous post. And, it took guts to write it. I am appalled that anyone gave you guff regarding your first discussion of PPD.

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  2. Thank you. Keep on keeping it real just like you do. It does need to be talked about.

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  3. I remember that first post. I was so incredibly alone in my PPD and when I read that it was relieving to know that, in fact, I was not alone and I wasn't a terrible mom. The world needs more honest open loving mommies and I'm do thankful you're one of them!

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  4. I remember that first post. I was so incredibly alone in my PPD and when I read that it was relieving to know that, in fact, I was not alone and I wasn't a terrible mom. The world needs more honest open loving mommies and I'm do thankful you're one of them!

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  5. yes, I'm also appalled that someone would question you about talking about ppd! ridiculous. There's nothing wrong with being truthful and what kind of attention did she think you'd be getting? unreal. anyway, I'm glad things are better for you these days. thanks for writing an honest blog! happy weekend.

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  6. You should be so proud of yourself for having come through PPD (we call it Post-Natal Depression or PND here in the UK) and out the other side with your beautiful baby.

    It's a subject not enough people talk about, and sadly one that affects so many women who feel so alone while they are suffering.

    So kudos to you.

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