I know the lies that depression tells. I have had the thoughts that my kids would be better off without me. But with experience, I can recognize that IT IS A LIE.
I am scared for those with PPD who have never encountered depression before. Who might not realize what’s going on and that their heads are feeding them lies.
Here is my plea to the brand-new mamas:
If you feel like things are off, please tell someone. Depression manifests in a lot of different ways. (I loved this article by Megan Tietz a few years ago; she didn’t realize she had PPD because the symptoms were not what she expected.) I know you expect to feel different because you just had a baby. Being insanely tired will do crazy things to you, all by itself. But please, please, don’t try to hide your thoughts, doubts, or hurts from your partner or friends. Nobody has it all together like you think they do. Struggling with depression or anxiety is not sinful or embarrassing — it is a health issue that can be addressed.
I don’t want any family to go through what Allison’s family is experiencing right now, or any new mom to think she would have to take her own life to get rid of the intense pain.
I can totally understand the mentality of thinking you could handle it yourself. But darling fellow moms, you have a lot on your plate, you are sleep-deprived, you are probably not eating the right things or exercising or doing much of anything for yourself. And even if you are, things might still not be right. IT IS OK TO ASK FOR HELP.
If you are experiencing postpartum depression and need help, please visit Postpartum Progress. You are not alone, and they are there help!
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This post originally appeared at the Chattanooga Moms Blog, published with permission.
