A little bit about my postpartum depression story
Before I had kids, of course I never thought postpartum depression would impact me. I was healthy. I had a great husband. In my mind, I had what I needed and postpartum depression was only for people who had drastic mood swings and way more stress.
And even after having babies, I still didn’t think much of it. But I knew being a mom was a LOT harder than I expected. I felt a touch trapped– I was even jealous of the freedom my husband had at work to simply go to the bathroom whenever he wanted while I held a crying or finally sleeping baby at home and weighed how important it was to go to the bathroom, versus the risk of my son waking as I put him down and then having to calm him to stop that crying once again. But I just thought that was how this next chapter in my life went.
Stories in the news echoed my thoughts that postpartum depression was drastic: women hurting themselves or their babies. That wasn’t me. I was fine. Right?
I made my way through and when I became pregnant for baby number three, I came across an interview with Brooke Shields about postpartum depression. She described a lot of how I felt. It was then it hit me that I had most definitely been struggling with postpartum depression after my first two pregnancies.
I remember checking out her book, Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression, with my my round, pregnant belly in front of me, my two toddlers at my sides, and wondering what the librarians thought of me. Whatever they thought, it was worth it.
I discussed my feelings and fears with my husband. We got ready for baby number three and whatever emotions might come. And I had a beautiful delivery and absolutely no postpartum depression whatsoever. Was it because we were ready and squelched things as they came up? Or was it because it just didn’t happen that time? I don’t know. But I do know knowledge gives you power.
Now it is your turn to get more knowledge, if you think you might even need a touch– or if you want to talk with others about your experiences or fears.
Food Network star Aarti Sequeira to speak on Postpartum Depression in Houston May 11
Next Thursday night in Houston, May 11, Food Network star Aarti Sequeiria, mom of 2, will be joining a panel discussion on postpartum depression hosted by the Mental Health America of Greater Houston as part of its Year of the Mom. There will also be a film shown and a light dinner.
The event will be held at at MATCH – Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston on Main Street and costs $20 to attend.
For MomsToolbox readers, I do have a promo code for half off, making the price just $10 per person. The discount promo code is: PPDSM
Mental health is just as critical as physical health, even if we don’t talk about it as much. If you are even a touch interested, I hope you are able to attend next week… or start a conversation right where you are. Your voice as a mom IS important in the discussion. I have no doubt that getting prepared helped me the third time around.
Interested in going?
Click to register: Postpartum Depression Event featuring Aarti Sequeira… and don’t forget about that promo code!
PS: This is not a sponsored post and the Amazon link is not an affiliate link.
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