Comments on: What Does Postpartum Depression Look Like?

By: Erika K

Erika K — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:46:13 +0000

This post is so great – I was more of a busy-busy and cry-when-nobody-is-around kind of PPD mom. Plus, I had PMDD in there when I wasn’t nursing. Talk about a roller coaster. AND, I was (and still am) a mental health counselor at the time of my depression. I thought I knew what depression looked like. Even I fooled myself as it all unfolded.

Three and a half years of that hell until I finally put together the patterns and the feelings. Medication and brief therapy, and I was finally free. Still a few years recovering post-medication just getting my healthy mind habits back in good shape.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. It doesn’t all look the same. And the Big Pharma was available to me when I needed it. Nobody shoved pills down my throat. I was in control. My counselor understood and was supportive. I am grateful to have myself back.

By: Becoming Me

Becoming Me — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:11:24 +0000

Thank you for sharing your story. I have experienced PPD twice and like you, I functioned pretty well. I had my low moments without a doubt, but I kept so much hidden until I cracked…more than once. Thank you again for sharing.

By: Mia

Mia — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:57:49 +0000

I can’t even begin to thank you enough for this post. I have been dealing with post partum depression for so long, yet my stubborn nature has yet to tell a doctor. I keep thinking that i’m “a warrior” and so I don’t need help. Yeah. Some warrior I am. This thing is so much bigger than anyone.

All of your symptoms mirror mine… to a ‘T’.

By: tracy

tracy — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:44:47 +0000

Great information! Thank you so much for sharing this.

By: Just Laura

Just Laura — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:43:53 +0000

Thank you for sharing your story. I believe it takes an incredible amount of courage to speak about something considered so taboo. It is a tremendous help to hear other women coping with the same feelings of despair and just feeling “off”. I am currently reading “Down Came The Rain” by Brooke Shields. Poignant, real, supportive.

I will keep you in my prayers.
JL

By: Katherine Stone

Katherine Stone — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:43:56 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I hope you’ll share with your readers the importance of signing the online petition to support the Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act which will fund more research into and awareness of PPD in the US. http://capwiz.com/ndmda/issues/alert/?alertid=11246546

Also, I’ve linked to your post in tomorrow’s Postpartum Progress.

By: Linda

Linda — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:31:41 +0000

I greatly admire and thank you for your courage on speaking out on this issue. Very brave of you. PPD is something that needs greatly increased awareness, that's for sure. Although I haven't experienced it myself, I've witnessed a close friend face it, and after doing some research (we found most of our information through this site) she is now getting help. She is also taking natural daily multivitamin and herbal supplements (info can be found on that linked site) that have herbs, minerals, and vitamins that support symptoms of depression in women. My thoughts are with you and thank you again for your courage! You're an inspiration.

By: Bev

Bev — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:02:33 +0000

Wow, we are in a parallel universe, aren’t we? Or we could just say that great minds think alike! As you could when reading my blog, I felt myself shaking my head reading this because I could relate so well. I think people do tend to think of the extreme cases like Andrea Yates when they think of PPD. There still is such a stigma to it; that is why I think it is important for those of us who have encountered it to speak up. I finally did last year at a MOPS meeting. If my story can make even one mom feel less alone, then it was worth it. Like you said, people tend to think of those with PPD, or any type of depression, as those who can’t function. That is far from the truth. Like you, I am very good at putting on the happy face. If I didn’t tell anyone, they would never know. Thank you for writing this. I am sure we will reach many women even if they never post a response to let us know that.

By: Ann M.

Ann M. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:43:17 +0000

I am expecting our first late summer/early fall, and I felt better after reading this, not scared. I think it is amazing when people can share so much of themselves to help others. It is good to know that PPD may not present itself in an extreme way, and that if I’m not feeling ‘right’ after the baby comes, there is support out there and help if I need it. So thank you for posting this!