Any new mommy can get it. My mothering conditions are ideal. I have a loving husband who's a great dad and a good provider, wonderful supportive family, and a beautiful, healthy baby who's been sleeping through the night from just a couple of months of age. No problems breastfeeding at all.
.
Yet, Depression is still a monster which stalks me postpartum.
.
If you've read this blog long, you'll know I always get S.A.D. in January and February. S.A.D. stands for Seasonal Affected Disorder and I get it because of the lack of sunlight here in Alaska during the winter. A lack of Vitamin D is a common problem here. I didn't get it this past winter though, because I was pregnant and my body was on a super-high, hormonally and all that.
.
I have learned to keep Depression in sight. As long as I know it's there, I can battle it. I can't make it go away entirely any more than I can make the sun shine longer in the winter or my hormones to normalize while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding. However, as long as I see the 'red flags' I can deal with it, ride it out, kick Depression's butt back and out of my way.
.
If you are or know a pregnant or new mommy, please try to be sensitive about this. Like I said, my mothering situation is ideal, but I still have to deal with it. If a mommy's situation is less than ideal, say because she's been abandoned by her baby's daddy or something, know she's going to have an even harder time of it. Your love and support could make all the difference and help start her baby on a good and long life.
.
How am I doing? Oh, fine. Didn't sleep well last night for no other reason though. That's a Red Flag for me. Forgot to take my vitamins and stay on top of the situation. This is my fourth time around, so I know what to do. It's still hard though.
.
I don't feel like working on SWEET, recently retitled CRUSHED. Loss of interest in favorite activities is a symptom. CRUSHED is a dark story, though it has a happy, victorious ending. I'm going to take a break and write something fun instead. That usually works. If I can't write at all, that's very bad. That means the monster got me. Hasn't happened in a long time, not since I was homeless for a year.
.
So, I've started this blog-
http://juniorsguidetothegalaxy.blogspot.com/ almost entirely for fun and therapy, but also to practice writing techniques.
.
Depression is no one's fault and you can't just make it go away. Try to be sensitive to those who battle it, 'kay?
6 comments:
*hugs*
Been there (not with babies!), got the t-shirt, both for myself and people I love. And it isn't easy. Recognising the signs is a good step. You're doing all the right things, and I'm going to be following another blog! Yay!
Ugh - so sorry, Kimber. I always think I'm immune to PPD, then turn into a lunatic around the 4 month mark when I feel like I should be doing better. I'm ready to put my husband on a stake and take up residence on a warm beach somewhere.
This too shall pass - hope the blog helps!
Thanks, Yuna and Robin!
I know nutrition plays into it. As a breastfeeding mom, my baby still gets the best of everything I eat. This has enabled me to lose 25 pounds off my pre-pregnancy weight, but it also means I've often been lacking certain vital nutrients like iron. So, if I forget to take my vitamins or I eat an cookie instead of an apple, I don't feel so good.
I was feeling lots better after writing my first 'Junior's Guide to the Galaxy' entry, so I opened the CRUSHED file. Took one look and thought, "Nah, not ready yet." And I closed it up again. I think I need another day off, at least.
Feel better, Kimber. I don't have kidlets yet, so I can't relate to PPD, but I'll be thinking about you a great deal and sending good energy your way!
Thanks, Michelle!
Feeling better today. Ate better and remembered to take my vitamins. Slept well, but I still don't feel like working on CRUSHED (formerly known as SWEET.)
Post a Comment