From Making Excuses to Getting Help :: Struggling with Postpartum Depression

struggling postpartum depressionI had heard about it. I knew people who had suffered from it. But never did I think I would be the one struggling with postpartum depression…until I did.

My change in behavior was gradual – nothing screamed to me that something was majorly wrong. I never had thoughts of hurting my baby. I still got up and cared for both kids like I was supposed to, but it just didn’t feel right.  And looking back, for every little symptom I had an excuse.

Symptom: I was beyond exhausted.
Excuse: I have a newborn and a toddler.

Symptom: I was constantly sad.
Excuse: Our family visitors were gone and some of my best friends just moved out of state.

Symptom: I wasn’t handling stress well.
Excuse: Again, I have a newborn and a toddler.

Symptom: I was obsessing over random things.
Excuse: I’m sleep deprived.

Denial

I didn’t think I was the ‘type’ of person who would get depressed. Transitioning with baby number one was a breeze. So for baby number two I thought I was even more ready because I knew what to expect. I was startled when two friends (after two different conversations) both suggested that I may be suffering from postpartum depression. I have no idea what we talked about that prompted them to speak up, but their words forced me to reconsider my preconceived notions.

Okay maybe something was wrong, I thought, but depression seems severe. I had heard of the baby blues and thought that must be what was going on. While I had some of the symptoms, I learned the baby blues only last a few days to 2 weeks after your baby is born. I was seven weeks postpartum and nothing seemed to be getting better – I still didn’t feel like myself.

Bargaining

As I sat on my couch one afternoon holding my beautiful baby and bawling my eyes out for no apparent reason, I finally accepted that I needed help. I realized that I needed to stop making excuses and embrace that all ‘types’ of people can suffer from postpartum depression. I decided to stop denying it so I could find a way to enjoy these  precious moment with my baby girl.

It was hard, but I called my doctor. I was surprised my doctor automatically recommended antidepressants when I explained what was happening. Meds? I don’t need meds. Wasn’t there anything else I could do? They explained that it was a chemical issue and not something I could necessarily fix on my own. The longer I held off the longer it would take to get better.

Still the control freak in me said. “No, I can do this.” My husband and friends asked that I give myself a time limit. I told them I’d reassess after one week of taking a little time to do things that made me happy like exercise and cook. It worked for a couple of days but then I was back in the place I didn’t want to be. I couldn’t run or cook myself out of this! Something inside of me had drastically changed after giving birth – something I couldn’t control.

Acceptance

I called my doctor back, agreed to medication, and I soon started to feel like myself again. Through this process I’ve learned I’m not alone. So many women have experienced similar feelings, six weeks even six months after giving birth. And while it’s hard to understand why, it’s important to realize that you didn’t cause it and you may need help fixing it. Plus I’ve learned like every season of life, postpartum depression doesn’t last forever. After a several months I was able to stop the medication.

So whether you are making excuses for the way you’re feeling after giving birth or are worried about a friend, I’m here to tell you to speak up. If my girlfriends hadn’t specifically said the words “postpartum depression”, who knows how long it would have taken me to realize and admit that something was wrong. Every postpartum case is different, some more severe than others but as I learned it happens even when we don’t think it will. So speak up, ask for help and know you’re not alone.

 

 

 

Kim Trinchet
Kim is a Wichita transplant who never planned to stay, but 15 years later she’s convinced Wichita is the perfect place to raise a family. She’s a wife to Jorge and a mama to Nico and Lucia. She moved here from the Chicago suburbs and works in the communications world. The rest of her time is focused on seeking out adventures with her little family. She also loves browsing grocery store aisles, reading cookbooks, iced coffee and wine. Kim’s trying to learn Spanish as well, her kiddos are bilingual and already speak better than she does!

6 COMMENTS

  1. Kim, thank you so much for sharing your story! What a strong woman and mama!! I’m glad you did what was best for you and your family. Hugs!!

  2. Kim I love this story and am so proud of you for sharing your experience. You are such a strong woman and I am still so thankful you did to me what your friends did to you. Well you were probably a little more aggressive than your friends lol but you knew I needed it. I remember being annoyed although u warned me that you weren’t going to stop calling me until I made a doctor appointment. I also thought baby blues because never wanted to harm anyone and would make excuses thinking I have 4 kids I’m supposed to feel
    exhausted but I also learned they were just that…..excuses! So with your persistent phone calls I saw a doctor and seeked help also. I learned I was not alone and that I had to stop feeling ashamed. I truly hope your story reaches many others

  3. Thanks for sharing, Kim! I too suffered from PPD – that was 10 years ago and it was so hush hush back then. Glad we can all share and learn from each others’ experiences now.

    • Thank you Kari! It’s a tough thing to go through, but I’m glad it’s more out in the open now!

Comments are closed.