How PPD changed my life.

Motherhood is in crisis.

How PPD changed my life. Postpartum depression. I didn’t even know what this health condition was until I experienced it personally. There are a lot of people that still don’t realize the severity of the problem. Listen, it is a crisis, and it is escalating throughout the world, especially here in the US.

Up to 1 in 5 new mothers might experience some form of postpartum depression and anxiety, but less than 15% of them will ever seek treatment. I talk about these statistics a lot, and that’s because they’re freaking serious. Yet, no one really talks about it when you are expecting a child. Generally, most women don’t even realize what they’re experiencing until they start googling shit in the middle of the night.

Listen, you are not freaking crazy. I need you to know that. Whatever your situation, you are not alone. As mamas, we need to support each other as much as possible. New moms need to be just as prepared for their emotional state postpartum as they are for their baby’s arrival. It is crucial in lowering these staggering statistics.

My postpartum journey.

Ok, so how PPD changed my life. Postpartum depression changed me and really defined my life moving forward. After my daughter was born, distraught doesn’t even begin to describe my mental state. I was on the bring of psychosis after not sleeping, eating, or drinking anything for 2 weeks. I ended up in the ER, and I thank God every day that my OBGYN was very intuitive about my care. Luckily, I immediately started medication and counseling to begin my road to recovery.

In these early days of motherhood, social media did not help. I was constantly comparing myself to other moms. I wasn’t thinking about what was happening behind the scenes of their perfect photos. Hint: it’s a shit show. Seeing all these perfect posts, I was expecting my life to look the same way. Guess what? It doesn’t. It’s a mess, and now, I’m ok with that. But at the time, it made me crazy.

I am still struggling. Every single day. But, I decided I couldn’t let other mamas out there share my experience. I know that I can’t single-handedly help every single new mother, but I’m hoping that I can do my part to ease the postpartum struggle and raise awareness surrounding the problem.

I’m a better version of myself.

I turned my mess into a message. So corny…I know, but seriously. In Mommy’s Got a Tramp Stamp, I get really real about all the chaos that came from my experience. Mom Stuff is built to provide entertainment and resources for maternal mental health.

While battling this invisible illness, I have truly discovered myself. My experience has made me a better, happier, stronger, and more confident version of myself. Before I experienced postpartum depression, I never would have imagined that I would be capable of the things that I’m doing now.

It amazes me every day, and I am incredibly thankful that my journey has led me to where I am at this moment. Life has a way of doing that. It’s not the light and breezy times that make us who we are; it’s the storms that really define us.

Mama, if you are struggling, hold your head up. Look for the light at the end of the tunnel. It does get better. I promise. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. No one can do this alone. We’re all in this together.