It is so important to understand that not every woman is the same....not everyone suffers the same symptoms...or for the same amount of time...or in the same manner. We are all different.
It is also important to understand that while there is not a mass-produced one-size-fits all enchanted antidote for Postpartum Mood Disorders
(oh wouldn't the big pharmaceutical companies love that?), there is HOPE. Those who suffer are not alone and need not anguish silently. Here are my two favorite resources that I recommend you check out if you or anyone you know may be experiencing a Perinatal/Postpartum Mood Disorder. There is also a resource link on my blog header. I chose to highlight only two for this post because I remember how easily overwhelmed I was during my battle.
Postpartum Progress - Postpartum Progress is the most widely-read in the US regarding Perinatal Mood Disorders. And for good reason. Katherine Stone keeps her finger firmly attached to the pulse of issues, treatments, and legislation surrounding depression and anxiety during and after pregnancy. This site is a wealth of knowledge and I highly recommend it for health care professionals as well as those experiencing a Perinatal Mood Disorder. Four very important articles are located under the "Six Things" section of Postpartum Progress that can be found on the top left area of the blog.
Out of the Valley Ministries, Inc. - I am blessed to be the real life friend of PPD survivor and Out of the Valley Ministries founder, Tara Mock. Out of the Valley Ministries, Inc. is a non-denominational Christian ministry designed to lovingly support women and their families experiencing perinatal (pregnancy and postpartum) mood disorders.
4 comments:
Angela,
Thanks for sharing your story. I am working on a memoir and feel like I practically re-typed your story this morning. Although I did not have PPD, my depression was the result of taking birth control pills. Little pills = big mistake. Thanks for sharing. Glad you are here to write and tell your story.
Angela,
I found your blog thanks to the post on (in)Courage. In January, I had a miscarriage and it rocked my world. I seriously thought I was going nuts and I wonder, after reading your blog, if it was PPD. I knew there were a lot of things going on with my hormones and my emotions but I thought it was just something I needed to work through on my own. It was hard. Really hard. And it lasted several weeks. Thankfully, I am better now. But just thinking back to that "fog" makes me uneasy. I don't know if was PPD but I am telling you that your story struck a cord with me and I am so thankful to have found you.
Can't wait to read more...
erin
Angela, I too found your blog through the post at (in)courage. I want to commend you for your transparency. That must have been scary, to open up so much, but how vital that honesty is! There are often misconceptions among Christians about what our lives as believers should not look like, and that leads to doubts and fears about who we are before God. As one who has battled against depression from time to time, I have struggled greatly with assurance of my faith. The transparency of some very mature believers about their own struggles has helped so much. Thank you for having the courage to share what you've walked through, and to point us to the Sovereign Healer who faithfully carries us along through our darkest lows.
I also wanted to mention one other resources: Postpartum Support International (PSI). www.postpartum.net I mention it because when you call PSI, PSI will HELP you to locate other resources in your area. There are coordinators for all 50 states, many countries, and even military coordinators! It's a great organization.
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