Postpartum Depression is the devil

It's not easy sharing my emotions especially when others are telling me to be strong. They don't know the hurt I've felt deep inside and some choose to not even care. People will ask you 'how you're doing', but do they really mean it? When I had my baby, it was supposed to be the happiest moment of my life. However, it was and wasn't. Yes, I was both happy and sad. Happy that my baby boy had arrived and I was a new mommy. Though sad that he was too tiny to hold and had a long journey of fighting ahead of him. My baby boy was born three months early, weighing just over one pound. After experiencing a traumatic premature birth alone and watching my child's underdeveloped body laying in that incubator in the NICU, I was physically and emotionally drained. I was trying to be strong and hang in there. Yet, I had the baby blues!

No one wants to talk about postnatal depression, least of all me! A counselor was sent to speak with me. Until she got me to open up about my feelings, I was in denial. It wasn't as if I could hide it. I was literally walking around looking gloomy and constantly crying. While at my weakest, I was under tremendous stress with so much going on in and outside of the NICU. I was on an emotional rollercoaster and I now know that it was God's strength that carried me through or else I would've lost it. It wasn't easy to admit that I needed help, but once I did I began to take the necessary steps towards healing. Postpartum depression is the devil and the devil won't win!

I'm not alone in this fight. If you or someone you know is suffering with postnatal depression, there is help! 

Postpartum depression support

In the U.S.: Call the PSI Helpline at 1-800-944-4773

UK: Call the Mind Infoline at 0300 123 3393

Australia: Call the PANDA Helpline at 1300 726306

In other countries: Find Local Support and Help

Other articles:

Postpartum Depression and the Baby Blues

How long does postpartum depression last?

Postpartum Disorders