I know I’m not alone, I know I’m not the only one going through this, but its here and all I can do is learn to manage until the stop passes. This is how I’m dealing with postpartum anxiety.
Honestly it hasn’t been an easy road at all, but I have learned to manage, take me time and be able to deal with the storm overhead. I really never thought it can happen to me (that’s what everyone says) but it did. The first two-three months with IV were a breeze, I have my perfect little baby, supportive family and husband. Everyone has been such a big help when it comes to being here to help in any way. My mom often comes over to help me clean and my sister come pretty frequently to help with IV and Jimmie’s family is always willing to help in any way. It began when it was time to return to work.
The final month of my maternity leave is when it hit the hardest, my anxiety hit an all time high, and I began to get depressed at the thought of returning to my full time job. I’ve had a thought of hurting him but I just began to get sad over the smallest things and then upset that I was sad about the little things.
This went on for weeks and I finally decided I needed to do SOMETHING, anything! I saw my doctor and this was when he diagnosed me with postpartum depression. Tbh, I was in shock and didn’t think that was what’s going on, but I’m glad I did catch it when I did and began to work on things to help. My doctor did tell me that there is no “timeframe” as to how long it will last but we began working on a plan to help.
- Ask for help (this one was hard for me): As a new mom this can be hard, but one thing I wanted was to only ask for help when I really needed it. I work full time but also run this blog as my side hustle that I have been working on growing. I never wanted to ask for the help when it came to getting things done, whether that was to run errands or to just have a few hours to get things done. I honestly felt bad for asking for help and felt that I was asking for too much and didn’t want to be a burden on others. But it’s ok to ask for help, and I have done that.
- Pamper yourself/ enjoy me time: This is another one that I learned to do. It’s one thing to take time to get things done around the house along with work but also taking to me time to relax and get my mind right. I have a facial and message planned for my near future, but I’ve gone to the nail shop this past month. Sitting in a message chair while getting your nails and feet done works wonders. Although I still love my press-on nails a trip to the nail salon here and there always works wonders.
- Take medication: I didn’t want to, but I had to. I began taking medication once I saw my doctor. We have adjusted it a few times, but it is now working great! I do still have some moments but certainly not like they were before.
- Enjoy the little moments: every little moment of pure happiness I take that in and just enjoy it. I don’t want this to be the thing I remember most about IV growing up. . . and he is growing fast! I can’t believe he is about to be 6 months in the next week, so all the little moments I have with him is what counts.
roxy says
I’m so glad you are speaking openly and honestly about this — I think so many moms suffer through PPD alone and without telling anyone. Glad to hear you’re feeling better, and it would be okay if you weren’t too. It’s a huge adjustment becoming a mom no matter how much help you have. Your life now exists more for this baby than for yourself. It’s a total paradigm shift.
Jerrieal Small says
For sure, it has been a hard adjustment and im glad I went with my gut and seeked the help from my dr. when I did. This has been a huge adjustment for me, but it has been so worth it.
Carolyn says
Thanks for opening up, girl! I never went to a doctor in the beginning so I don’t know if I officially had PPD, but I remember it feeling SO hard and sucky, and it seemed like all the other new moms were loving their lives more than I was. It took time and about a year into it I started feeling what the other moms were. Hang in there mama! It will get better!
Jerrieal Small says
Thank you so much! Yes that’s how I was feeling, everyone around me seemed to be loving their lives more than myself! The adjustment has been great!
Kileen says
So glad you went in and got the help you needed! Motherhood is so hard and Post partum depression and anxiety are SO hard. Sending lots of love and positive vibes!
Kileen
cute & little
Jerrieal Small says
Thank you much, yes it has been hard but I’m glad that I’m finally adjusting! Thank you for all the love!
Taylor Mobley says
I am so glad you were able to get a diagnosis so you can work towards feeling like yourself again and enjoying your little one.
Jerrieal Small says
Thank you so much! Love where I am at now!
Amanda says
This is such an important topic and I’m sure so many will find your post helpful. I’m glad you figured out what was going on and took the necessary steps– thats major! Sending you strength and good vibes!
Jerrieal Small says
Thank you so much. it was definitely difficult to talk about but im so glad that I did!
Whitney says
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I had a lot of anxiety during my maternity leave as well. It’s so hard to juggle it all!
Kaylyn says
Thank you for being so honest about motherhood. It’s incredibly brave of you for not only reaching out and accepting help but sharing your story.
Nailil says
Love how you styled the dress as a top. It’s the perfect way to transition it from summer. 🙂
Xx, Nailil
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