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, play with my kids, and even go back to work. However, I still have anxiety.

It is very important to understand that postpartum depression and anxiety are not the same as the baby blues. During my experience, I felt constantly on edge and sick to my stomach. I just wanted to be alone, but was also scared to be alone. I had extreme exhaustion and crying episodes, and I felt like I was going to be stuck feeling like this forever. I was very nervous about what I was putting my husband and children through, and even asked my sister to take my kids because I feared I wouldn’t be able to be a good mom to them. I eventually sought help, and with medication and a supportive family, I was able to improve.

I encourage everyone to have a good support system in place and make sure to see a physician as soon as you believe that you may be going through some sort of postpartum anxiety or depression. You must believe that you are stronger than what is going on. You must have faith that you can get through this! You need to believe that you are a good mother and that one day you will get better. It will feel like it takes forever, but once you finally feel better it’s just a horrible memory. Keep fighting!