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.
Asja Banks
I overcame PPD by simply going through the motions. I got through it by praying and trusting that God wouldn’t put too much on me and that I would make it out of this. Though it was far from easy and like nothing I have experienced before I made it out and I have to give all praise to God and my family for their support. PPD is something that I think is not spoken about enough, I believe there should be more safe spaces and resources for women that are experiencing PPD. I know first hand how dark and lonely it could feel. I am so grateful that I made it out and I am sending my love and support to mother’s that are currently going through this. Read more>>
Jocelyn Fee Miller
PPD is not 3-6 months … it can easily be experienced for 3-6 years. My second daughter just turned 7.5 years old and I can attest, mine is dragging.
With my first daughter, I was a single mom, and I wasn’t sure if it was postpartum or cultural shame that was creating the depression however, I utilized my tools:
1. “wogging” a low pressure walk or jog to heighten dopamine release in the brain and shed the extra squish from carrying baby. I would do this alone, with a stroller or with friends – and we typically did this bare foot in the sand. Read more>>
Kindra Williams
I am so glad this question came up! Oddly enough my PPD was the sole reason for starting my business and even the meaning behind the name. While every PPD case is different, with many levels of severity and coping strategies mine was what I describe as really bad for me. I know others have more difficult journeys, some less difficult, and some not at all so I just describe it as bad for me. The medication I resulted to just made matters worse. I completely lost who I was as a person, a wife, a friend, and I felt like I couldn’t even handle being a new mom which is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to be my entire life! Almost a year of battling my PPD my husband forced me to get out of the house and have a “Mommy Makeover”. Read more>>
Cydney Ewing
I had my first baby in the Fall of 2019. I thought I was doing ok in the beginning and I was. Around 6 or 7 weeks postpartum, I realized I wasn’t ok but I thought could brush it off ans overcome it on my own. Boy, was I wrong!
Finally, when my son was about 4 months old, I decided that I needed help or else I would go into a downward spiral. A month later, I was doing ok. I was on medication and I started therapy.
During the time while I was healing, I decided I needed to do something for myself. I started painting my nails once or twice a week and it helped with my PPD a lot.
I kept up with it because it helped my mental health significantly. I no longer felt worthless, sad, and overall just miserable. Read more>>
