Postpartum Trigger ⚠️

Dealing with postpartum depression and anxiety has to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to handle. This coming from the 30 something year old PTSD ridden, recovering addict. I never thought I could feel so defeated, but driven to survive. Before I would have tried to throw in the towel. I haven’t relapsed either. The thoughts are there. I’m battling something so unfamiliar, fighting so hard everyday. Having a baby brought back unwanted feelings and memories, that never effected me before.

I have to say, with every depressive moment there comes a Manic day where I accomplish more than I imagined. Reason for this, I study and put my studies into actions. I don’t read for my health, but I do. Without the knowledge I’m teaching myself, to handle these episodes, I wouldn’t be able to come on and write. Fighting to survive an invisible enemy, no one understands, is definitely a subject I need to focus on. Knowledge is all I have and the teachings of those before me or with me.

I need to find peace and love within myself again, so I can beat every episode efficiently. Without the proper tools, I’ll just keep fighting and ill never start living for happiness. It’s not a dream, it’s a goal I have set for myself for my future. My actions henceforth must provide accomplishments toward this goal. If you know someone battling these invisible diseases, just show support. The more you know…

Some tips for those supporting the mother’s, make it about her again.

She needs to know she is loved and cared for. Appreciated on every level. Caring. Growing. Nurturing… all the things, need to be recognized. Without her this wasn’t possible!

Stop trying to fix her, and just help. That’s it.

Offer to go with her to appointments, take responsibility for the things she has to do. Ask the doctors questions. Show Initiative!

Stop asking what you can do, and just do it. Dishes piled up, wash them. Laundry gathered, wash it. It’s not hard to please women. Basic things like chores around the house. Cooking dinner. Ordering flowers for no reason.

Celebrate her success, she needs the reassurance her life matters. Even if it’s only as simple as figuring out how to reprogram a remote.

Look outward for your own support, close relative or friend of hers. Looking out for her can take its toll on you.

Postpartum support comes in many forms. Just ask for help. For the both of you. You’ll need it.. because this sneaky condition that effects mother’s after childbirth. Taking its toll on her, baby and others. Overwhelming and isolating, don’t be ashamed. Be there without judgment. These feelings are simply out of our control.