(Part 1 of 2 on my postpartum anxiety).
It’s been quiet here.
For good reason though. At least, I think it is.
Remember when I told you I wasn’t okay?
When I said,
Well, I’d just like to offer an update. Partial resolution and some encouragement to women who may find themselves in my fearful, shaking shoes.
Let me back up.
At Darling Girl’s four month check-up, I told the pediatrician that I might be having some issues. It was the first time I said it to a health professional after pouring my heart out to my friends. It was terrifying, and such a relief.
She connected me to a counselor right away and had an appointment set up for me before I walked out the door of the clinic.
The consensus is Postpartum Anxiety. I had/have multiple symptoms on both lists. Probably exacerbated by the events leading up to and directly after delivery and the culmination of my years-long struggle with fear. And if we are being perfectly honest, in hindsight, I believe I had it with Second Son and attributed my emotions to the Husband being deployed.
(It’s important to note this here: “Many people have a feeling like the ones mentioned (in link) every now and then, for a day or two. We all have bad days. Postpartum depression and anxiety are not just bad days. Women with PPD or anxiety have symptoms like these most of the time, for a period of at least 2 weeks or longer, and these symptoms make it feel very hard to live your life each day.” If this sounds familiar to you, reach out! Follow the link for a comprehensive list of symptoms.)
It is difficult to accept this as a diagnosis. We Huggins, we power through. We just deal with it. We just do. And I’m a Christian, so just have more faith, right? (Answer: WRONG, by the way). And because none of my symptoms included the big red flags – wanting to harm myself or others, a lack of bonding, or uncontrollable crying, I just brushed them off. To admit something is wrong, and that while I am functioning, it is not well – to rest in not being okay – is far more emotional and challenging than I was prepared for.
In the first session, she brought up the possibility of using a common anti-depressant that is also used to treat anxiety and is considered safe for nursing mothers. I loved her explanation, because she advocated a holistic, multi-faceted approach that incorporates mental, spiritual, and physical tools to combat the anxiety and fear. In that scenario, medicine is simply an effective key that unlocks the toolbox.
I took the handouts on the medicine, I took the handouts on the breathing exercise, I wrote down the name of the workbook. I told her I would research over the weekend and call her on Monday.
A month later, I was still agonizing over what to do. A part of me was a little afraid I was making it up. That I was simply failing at life and needed to do better. The other part of me was desperate to feel better, and I just couldn’t. I struggled with believing I needed the medicine versus feeling like I was seeking out a quick fix for the consequences of choices I intentionally made.
I researched. I called friends and asked (very) personal questions. I prayed.
Nothing.
All this agonizing didn’t leave much room for writing. I mean really, how many times can I tell you that I yelled at my chickens. Or my children. It’s whiny, and I don’t like it. And, in the middle of all it, I did go home to tell my story, and let me tell you, it’s difficult to weave this narrative into a session and not feel like a failure at faith.
I saw her again two months after the first visit. I walked into her office believing I knew what to do, but with a whole host of uncertainties trailing after. Based on self-reporting, my symptoms were improving, but she still offered the medication while allowing me to make the decision. (Thankfully, my postpartum anxiety is mild enough that I have freedom in deciding how to manage my symptoms without going against any sort of doctor’s wishes or recommendations).
She prescribed the medicine, and I filled the prescription.
But I could not take the pills. (Editor’s note: I would like to re-emphasize that my situation is one where anti-depressants were not a foregone conclusion and I was not operating against doctor’s wishes. In NO WAY am I against using them, and frankly, if I had seen her in November, I would probably be telling you a different story.)
I left them on top of the medicine cabinet and we drove to the beach.
…. to be continued.
With love and gratitude for your support,
~M.
*If you are pregnant or a new mom (for the first time or the fifth!), and you have any of these symptoms of postpartum anxiety or postpartum depression, please tell your doctor. Don’t be afraid to get help! I wish I had recognized them and reached out sooner.
Way to leave us hanging. And praying for you now btw.
😉 Love you Aunt J. Thank you for the prayers.
I so appreciate that you are sharing this. It’s hard to ask for help when we can tell that we clearly aren’t as bad off as someone else we see, so we should just suck it up. For the record, I think this happens with adoptive moms, too. I know I was an utter basket case for months (years?) but didn’t have the hormones or physical trauma to “blame” it on, so you just push on. Thank you for being open and honest, but at the same time willing to stretch and put yourself out there for other’s sake. I apologize for not being there when I am so physically close to you here. I can work on that, and we can wrangle kids and chickens together!! (We can also change the world at the same time!)
Oh thank you for the encouragement! You couldn’t have known-I’m just glad we are getting together now! Much love.
I am so thankful you are sharing your story. I am sure I had a mild form of PPD with one of my four children, but chalked it up to life circumstances. People need to know it’s not their fault and that they will be okay. Praying you are feeling better.
Thank you for prayers. I wanted to share because I do think that many women fall in the in-between, and can’t we all use a little (A LOT) of encouragement!
This is such a common struggle and I think the more we can talk about it, the more we can accept that it’s OKAY and that there is hope. Thanks for your vulnerability.
YES to hope. Thanks for stopping by. M.
You always strike a chord in my heart Molly and this story is no different, especially since I’m expecting my first and have been struggling with depression for the last few years. Sending much love and many prayers for strength for you as you accept help and know that it doesn’t mean you’re weak or faithless. Thank you for being courageous in your vulnerability ❤️
Oh I love you! And CONGRATULATIONS. I will be praying for your new wee one. And thank YOU for your love and support.