#facesofPMAD

[trigger/content warning] 🖤 I remember hearing about postpartum depression and that if you felt like throwing your baby out of the window, or if you couldn’t stop crying, then that meant you had it. After I had Emaline I went into survival mode and I was so good at covering up my true feelings that even I didn’t know how bad I was suffering.

I went 4 years undiagnosed with ppd, ppa, ptsd partially because I didn’t feel like throwing my baby out of a window and I also didn’t feel sad.

It only got worse after my second baby. I knew I didn’t feel right - I’d have trouble breathing when I was driving both kids in the car, and some days I’d imagine how not being here anymore would be a lot better. That should have been a major red flag, but it wasn’t until I starting literally throwing things and getting these huge fits of rage that I realized I really needed help.

This isn’t just “the stress of motherhood” — don’t fall for that like I did.

The only reason I knew it was okay to get help last year was because I’d seen several bloggers speak about their mental health publicly.

Help for me looks like therapy and medication. I noticed a change within a week of taking my meds, which is quicker than usual, but I can honestly say I didn’t know I was depressed until I wasn’t anymore.

1 in 5 women will experience a maternal mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, OCD, or even psychosis. In fact, women of childbearing age make up the largest depression demographic in the U.S. Although it’s the most common complication of pregnancy and the postpartum period, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) are the most underdiagnosed and undertreated. Good news: these illnesses are likely temporary and 100% treatable with professional help.

Follow the hashtag #facesofPMAD to see the army of women who’ve been there and want to raise awareness and end stigma.
As you can see these illnesses do not discriminate but they also don’t define our worth. We want to encourage you that you are not alone.
We are all survivors of PMADs and you will be too. Feel free to take your own selfie and use our hashtag to spread awareness.