Before my first child was born, I was familiar with The Emily Effect foundation. After hearing about the foundation, I wanted to get it out there as much as I could. In 2016, I ran the St. George Marathon wearing an Emily Effect jersey. I was able to share with others what the foundation is […]

Almost 22 years ago, I experienced postpartum mania, which resulted in a neuropsychiatric hospitalization for 11 days. My resting heart rate was 185 beats per minute, I hadn’t slept more than an hour a night for almost a whole month, and without the rest and hospitalization, I could have died. If these experiences are the […]

My depression started while I was pregnant, but it went undiagnosed. I told myself that it was just pregnancy hormones that made me feel weepy, disappointed, and unsure. During the pregnancy, I planned for a natural birth. Instead, I was induced at 41 weeks and ended up with a C-Section. I felt like a failure; […]

I had my first baby just over a year ago, and was concerned about postpartum depression because my mother had experienced it. Fortunately, my doctor was familiar with my mom’s history, so we discussed postpartum depression at my visits and he helped me get the information I needed to feel prepared before the baby was […]

Disclaimer: The following article mentions the topic of suicide or other sensitive subjects, which may trigger negative thoughts and feelings for those currently suffering or still recovering from a mental or mood disorder. Reader discretion is advised. I had my first baby when I was only 19 and had been married for less than a […]

After I had my second daughter, I developed severe postpartum depression. I was getting very little sleep at night, due not only to my newborn but to a toddler that didn’t sleep well. Additionally, I started getting massive headaches from the lack of sleep, which led to irritability and depression. I knew I needed help […]

Disclaimer: The following article mentions the topic of suicide or other sensitive subjects, which may trigger negative thoughts and feelings for those currently suffering or still recovering from a mental or mood disorder. Reader discretion is advised. Upon learning I was pregnant, my husband and I were so excited. However, within a month our world […]

Disclaimer: The following article mentions the topic of suicide or other sensitive subjects, which may trigger negative thoughts and feelings for those currently suffering or still recovering from a mental or mood disorder. Reader discretion is advised. I started on my journey of having children a little later in life, but we were thrilled when […]

I suffered postpartum depression and anxiety after the birth of both of my children. I have been trying to find the best way to help people understand what it feels like. I am still struggling to get better, but I know I am getting close to being me again. I can smile, laugh, do housework, […]

My son was born a few months after my 18th birthday. I was instantly in love with my little man. I had my husband, my friends, and my family all close by. I was around people all the time, but after a few weeks I started feeling very alone. My self-image also suffered. I thought […]