In nearly every neighborhood in America there will be at least a few mothers who have experienced Postpartum Depression (PPD). Despite its prevalence and severity, it’s a topic that is rarely discussed. At the core of BoldJourney is a belief that learning from each other’s experiences is essential and so we asked some incredible mothers to open up to us about their experiences with PPD.
Emily Butcher
After the birth of my first daughter, Evelyn, I struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety. It started a couple of days after giving birth, and being someone who had never struggled with depression or anxiety before, I honestly had no idea what was happening to me at the beginning. My daughter was born at the start of the pandemic; the stress from that, lack of sleep, and hormone changes led me to experience panic attacks almost daily and deal with thoughts that no new mother should have to face. Read more>>
Noel Arens
Overcoming postpartum depression was one of the most challenging experiences I’ve faced, but it also taught me the importance of leaning on others and seeking help. When I realized I wasn’t feeling like myself, I talked to my doctor and increased my medication dosage, which was essential in stabilizing my mood. But medication alone wasn’t enough. I made it a point to talk openly and honestly with my healthcare provider, sharing every detail of my feelings and struggles. This transparency allowed us to adjust my treatment plan effectively. Read more>>
Leslie Burbidge
Postpartum depression was deeply challenging for me to overcome yet I managed to pull myself from it twice. At the beginning of 2016, I became pregnant with my first child after only dating my partner for about seven months and making a move from another city to be closer to him. We were married at the courthouse ten days before I gave birth to our son. All of this forced us to learn to work together very early. Breastfeeding didn’t come naturally to me, I had little support and was back to full time work within 2 months, only to be forced to step down to a part-time position due to my newly limited availability. Read more>>
Kay Clinton
Postpartum depression affects nearly 1 in 7 mothers and goes beyond the “baby blues,” which typically resolve within two weeks after delivery. Symptoms of PPD can include severe mood swings, intense irritability, feelings of hopelessness, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Read more>>
