Depression… Such an Ugly Word (Part 1)
Just as a forewarning, this post is very personal. Honestly, I can’t believe that I am writing it much less posting it on the
internet for the entire world to see. Anyway, here goes…
This week, Braylin had her four month check up. When we checked in for her appointment, the nurse gave me a questionnaire to fill out about how I was feeling (mentally).
My first thought was… Uh oh a stranger wants to know how I am feeling. Should I say, “Everything is fine” like I normally do or should I tell the truth? I read over the questions and decided that for the first time on one of those questionnaires I would tell the truth; I knew that what I was experiencing was common, but not necessarily normal.
Turns out, I have issues. The pediatrician wanted to talk about me before she even looked at Braylin. The good news is; Braylin is doing great! The bad news is, I can’t just “snap” out of this funk that I have been in for the last few months (which is what I have been waiting for).
Normally, I would put on a happy face and not dare say a word to anyone about being “depressed,” but my hope is that I will be able to help someone else through my experience. I have already learned to tell the truth on questionnaires, if someone is going to judge me, it’s ok… the most important thing is to get help.
There is A LOT more to this story, so stay tuned…
Thank you for having the courage to share this and tell the truth on the questionnaire… Role Model!
Thank you, Lynnette. I just hope that I can help someone else!
I think you will help a lot of people know they’re not alone! I had the baby blues with my first one and the hardest thing was feeling guilty for it. I was loved, had a healthy baby, a wonderful husband… so I didn’t understand what I was so sad about. Looking back I think I was isolated being at home all day by myself and being an ocean away from my family.
That’s my story in a nutshell. Thanks for sharing such a personal experience.
You did the right thing to tell your doctor how you were feeling. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health and should be taken just as seriously. Talking about it also helps so thanks for sharing.
Dusti,
You are definitely not alone. I have several friends who have battled depression after child birth and they are all feeling much better after talking to their Doctor and getting help. I think it’s harder to ask for help when you need it than it is to brush your feelings under the rug. I applaud you for being honest with yourself and your health care provider!
Kelly
Thank you ladies so much! I know that talking about it might make it harder at first, but it will make it easier as time goes on. I appreciate your support.
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