Here in the states, we have a program that explores what regular people would do in uncomfortable situations. Tonight, I happened to tune in and they were talking about post-partum depression. It hit me hard.
The show pictured a young mother (an actress) with various people overhearing her conversation with her friend (another actress) or her husband (you guessed it, another actor.) As they gave her bad advice about how she’d get over it, or how she should be so happy to have this beautiful baby, completely ignoring that fact that she needed major help, strangers stepped in to help her.
It was heart-warming that so many people reached out to this young woman, who they thought was suffering. In the end, the host came out to tell them that they were just actors, but that they were impressed at how these strangers took the time to help someone who they thought was in need.
This subject is near and dear to my heart. I had post-partum depression after child #1 and only missed it with child #2 since the doctors knew what medication had worked the last time and immediately put me on it to stave off the depression they knew was coming. After that, I discovered I had celiac disease and changed my diet to strict gluten-free, which changed my whole body chemistry.
When children #’s 3 & 4 were born, the medication that had worked with children #’s 1 & 2 no longer worked with #’s 3 & 4. Yeah. That was a horrible time and my GP finally figured out what would work and I got back on track.
I remember that time as horrible and dark. I dreaded the night. It was a terror for me; the long, dark hours, when I knew my body should be asleep, but could never get enough of it. I would start to get anxious in the late afternoon and it only got worse when I had to try to rest, knowing that I would no sooner close my eyes than someone would be awake crying, screaming, needing me. I was so overwhelmed, I felt like my entire world as I knew it had ended and I was left in this unending hell of sleep-deprivation, agitation, anger, and crying. It was a never-ending cycle of depression.
One thing I will say is this: if you find yourself suffering from “baby blues” (I personally just LOVE that name! Talk about downplaying it!!!) or crying for no apparent reason, feeling overwhelmed, etc. TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR! They are there to help you. Post partum depression can last longer than you think, and why suffer when there is so much help out there for you? You got this, girl. Just reach out for help!
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