Postnatal depression talk always brings with it a sense of fear yet understanding, I remember it so well and still feel my own guilt creep back in at times. It also reminds me that it can be fought and with the correct support can be beaten. Just as this mom found, she gained the strength to not lie down and allow PND to beat her.
An American Lady butterfly against a cloud-filled sky. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
This mom was already dealing with the trauma of losing her daughter and in the process of grieving when she gave birth to her son, she readily admits she was already in the depth of depression when she gave birth; she was not surprised when she was diagnosed with postnatal depression.
Like so many she put off going to visit the GP for as long as possible, believing it would go away and that she could fight it alone. Her battles were to no avail; she did the right thing and spoke out. The fear of being on anti-depressants was one of the reasons she didn’t want to admit she was struggling, she knew for the sake of her baby and for her own wellbeing she had to give them a try.
Despite fearing she would be stuck on tablets for life, I am pleased to say she wasn’t.
While I do know antidepressants can be addictive, under the care of professionals they are there to help. They did help this mom and within a short space of time she did see a huge improvement in her moods and feelings.
She finally felt that she back in control.
The thought of becoming dependent upon antidepressants was still an issue to this mom and in time her GP helped to wean her off them slowly, there are severe dangers to just stop taking antidepressants and never something I advise anyone does, no matter how great they feel. This mom did it the correct way under professional guidance.
Mum is now free of medication for her depression and although she admits she does have bad days, she is remaining strong and positive, yet if needed would go back to the GP if she felt the need.
The days where she contemplated taking her own life are a distant memory; she now focuses on her son and the many years ahead of them. This mom faced postnatal depression head on and won.
