Depression and Motherhood
The day I was officially diagnosed with depression, I cried.
I mean, I had been crying for weeks, but this was different. I was crying because my crying had a name. A name I feared. I was mourning my diagnosis. Being told I was depressed was just so... depressing.
It took awhile to sink in, but as I began therapy and the medication did its job, I wasn't so scared of it anymore.
Until I got pregnant.
It wasn't just the hormones, though those didn't help. I was terrified and guilty and angry and ashamed that my children would have a mom that struggled with depression. I tried to be proactive with my treatment during and after my first pregnancy. If you had asked me before baby #1 arrived, I would have told you I was ready for the impending postpartum struggle.
But I wasn't.
I was ready to fight the same battle I fought years before. I didn't realize my feelings and symptoms would look different as a mom, so I didn't really recognize it.
Now, looking back, the fog didn't really lift until I got pregnant for a second time. It was then that I realized I had walked through the first 18 months of motherhood just sorta numb.
I'm not a numb person.
I'm sunshiney and enthusiastic. I feel deep and laugh hard. Just sorta numb is just not me.
During my second pregnancy, I spoke candidly with my OB about the increased possibility of postpartum depression, especially since my second pregnancy involved twins. I was careful to monitor any changes and be open with my husband about where I was at. I had a couple of sad days when I felt the hormones wash over me in deep waves. I had a couple of tearful, fearful nights when the anxiety gripped my lungs. But these were sprinkled over almost a year. Almost a year, with only a handful of emotional lows.
Until one morning.
I woke up, looked at my husband and began to sob. Heaving heavy, strangling sobs. I couldn't stand. I couldn't move. All I wanted to do was sink into the mattress. My husband had to physically force me, gasping and weeping, into the bathroom to pee. A month of extreme fatigue and desperate sadness followed. The scariest and darkest time of my life, completely bedridden for nearly a month, with no end in sight.
I slowly came out of it. Little by little regaining energy and emotional stability. I started taking vitamins and antidepressants and going to therapy again.
I live with the threat of depression around every corner now, knowing that I could literally wake up one morning unable to move or function. But I choose not to live in fear. I choose not to live in the shame and guilt that my children have been burdened with a mom like me. I have decided instead to set an example through my depression. If this is the "thorn in my flesh" that I must travel with in this life, then let my children see me bear it well. Let them remember a woman who fought the good fight with every type of help--medicinal, spiritual, or physical--that was available to her. Let them see me as flawed and struggling, but committed to overcoming and believing God for healing and comfort every step of the way.
I think of the words of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego [Daniel chapter 3] as they faced the fiery furnace. "The God we serve is able to deliver us...but even if he does not...."
I pray that I am an example of a woman who stared into the fiery furnace of depression, knowing my God is able, but serving him regardless of the flames.
Today is a blue day. An "out of the blue," blue day. A heaviness about my shoulders and limbs. Sadness and fatigue pulling at my eyelids. Grayness clouding my normally sunny disposition. I'll make it till bedtime, pushing through, pulling it together, until I just can't anymore.
And I'll go to sleep knowing that "my God is able to deliver me, but even if he does not..."
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[…] For example, like during the first 5 months of my twin pregnancy, or when I’m dealing with my depression. Or maybe just because it’s […]
[…] For example, like during the first 5 months of my twin pregnancy, or when I’m dealing with my depression. Or maybe just because it’s […]
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I hear you. It’s terrifying and the fear is paralyzing. But we’re not alone. God’s grace delivered me in my darkest hour once before and I must continue to trust in His wisdom again. I wish you Grace and Peace as you navigate.
Thank you so much for your prayers and well wishes. I really appreciate the support. Praying for you as well, sister!
Thank you for your bravery in sharing your story! This is so encouraging!
This was wonderful to read! It helps me to feel not so alone in my battle with depression and the guilt I often feel over the burden it places on my children and husband. I try to remind myself of the good that God can bring forth from it, yet when I’m low, it’s hard to remember or believe.
It isn’t talked about enough, but mental illness especially depression is largely a nutritional issue. The problem is the nutrition space is dominated by a narrative that is the opposite of a proper human diet. I had crippling depression, ppd, ADHD, plus autoimmune issues, etc. It got really bad at the end. One day I decided after hearing about how an all meat diet can help autoimmune issues I went carnivore. Wow. Three weeks in my issues were significantly better. With some high magnesium supplements and extra thamine dosing and HIGH FAT (so much butter). My anxiety along with a plethora of issues vanished. I no longer have “episodes” where there is no know cause (like my house being a disaster, is going to make anyone anxious). Dr. Georgia Ede talks about this in depth. I beg anyone who struggles with depression to cut out grains and added sugars at least. It helps so much. Not only have my hormones balanced with high fat zero/low carb but I have literally regrown my breasts (and nothing else, even lost 15lbs). It’s been a life changer.
That’s great for some. However many can not eat lotsa meat( me, my teeth and gut cant handle it) 🍖 Or they may, and that doesn’t cut it. Depression in my family, anxiety and panic attacks too, regardless of duet. It can be made worse with too much sugar, carbs, or caffeine, but it isn’t the singular cause of mental illness. Look at the variation of Mental illnesses. Too many to list. We can have absorption problems,with zinc, B and other vitamins,but that doesn’t explain the coming amd going of it. Mine comes and goes, I have cut dairy and some other things. I don’t drink alcohol. It is important to know what lifts you up. And to make sure it is healthy. God, sunlight, coffee, friends, and therapy, have all helped me through. One thing that stinks to add onto depression is guilt. We already feel guilty, and I know that has almost done me in. So reach out, sleep, go on social media fasts… take meds. Whatever healthy self care you can do.