More Than Just the Baby Blues

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The stigma in regards to PPD prevent many women from seeking the help and treatment they need. Those who have never experienced PPD often judge those who suffer from it for being weak, and feel that they should just snap out of it and get over it. The truth of the matter is, PPD is a physical illness, with a biological foundation. It has nothing to do with being weak or even mentally ill. Some women have a more difficult time dealing with the hormone changes that are a normal part of the postpartum period. PPD is more than just the "baby blues". The "baby blues" do pass with time, PPD, without treatment usually gets worse, not better. PPD can steal your joy. It takes away your motivation and zest for life. It saps you of both energy and strength needed to care for yourself and your baby. You feel lethargic, weepy and depressed...not just merely "blah", but downright depressed. If left untreated the results can be tragic. Not all women who suffer from PPD develop psychosis, but it does happen. Just last year, a local woman in my community hid the fact that she was suffering from PPD. Her husband was overseas serving our country. She had a toddler and a 3 month old baby. To the rest of the world she tried to keep up appearances, but she was spiralling out of control. Over the holidays she placed her babies and herself in her car, in the garage and all 3 died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Tragic? Yes, most definitely. Preventable? Yes. This was a woman who did not seek the help she needed probably due to the stigma attached to dealing with any type of depression or mental instability. I was fortunate to only have the "baby blues" when I had my firstborn 10 years ago. However, after the birth of my 1 year old daughter, and now after the birth of my 1 month old daughter I am fighting PPD. I for one was not, and will not allow this to take over my life and make me or my family suffer due to the stigma attached to dealing with issues such as these. I sought treatment. It has made all the difference in the world. My dark days are not so dark, and I can see glimpses of light at the end of the tunnel. I feel more like myself, and am enjoying my girls again. I am writing this to let you know, if you are dealing with PPD or suspect that you are, you are NOT alone. There is help avaliable. Seek treatment. By doing so you are giving both you and your children a gift, the gift of having you happy, healthy and whole. They deserve no less, and neither do you. Have you or someone you know suffered from PPD? Did you seek treatment? If so, what has helped you?