Post-Partum Depression- Let's Talk

Post-partum depression- I think we’ve all heard the term before.  It’s what the doctors are looking for when they ask us if we’re experiencing a loss of appetite, insomnia, intense irritability or anger or any other “out of the ordinary” feelings since life with a baby began.  Although, everyone generally knows what post-partum depression means in theory, it is not something that is easily explained (especially by those who experience it) or simply treated.  There are different forms of this kind of depression that not many women are aware of, such as ‘baby blues’ and even post-partum OCD, among others.  It can happen to anyone, even the happiest of women, ones who have never before struggled with feelings of inadequacy.

Some friends of mine have brought up PPD as a possible post for this blog.  They’ve expressed a wish to have known more about this subject before they experienced it.  So with that in mind we’re going to try and do a few posts about it.  These posts will not so much be about the medical aspect of PPD, but more about the specifics of some of the emotional feelings that people experience- how it might feel, how to help change your mindset, pep talks, and just some general information.  We are not doctors, but we are fellow women and fellow mothers who might be able to help each other through those hard times if we put ourselves out there.  

I went through mild forms of ‘baby blues’- first with my miscarriage and then after the birth of my baby.  I didn’t have a clear knowledge of it so I didn’t really even know it was happening.  I really believe that awareness can be the first step to healing.  We’re starting this series in hopes that women who are experiencing PPD now or will in the future can know a few things about it.   We also hope that women who have experienced even the mildest forms of PPD will speak up and tell us their experience.  It could end up helping someone else a great deal.  So, if we can all talk together about the different ways if has affected us and how we’ve coped with it, maybe we can help our fellow moms and soon-to-be moms know the warning signs.  And maybe they will also feel comforted to know that they are not alone.

Post-partum depression is a very real thing and is nothing to be ashamed of.  I want to thank you in advance for sharing your stories and offering your words of encouragement.  Please know that this is a judgment free zone.  We hope talking about personal experiences and reading other’s experiences can help us all understand PPD a little more.