Dawn of a New Day I am a Mom on Meds
By Dawn New-Echlin
We have all heard the expression when life hands you lemons make lemonade. Well in the past few months I didn’t make lemonade… I shoved pieces of raw lemon in my eyes and cried, and pouted, and threw lemons at anyone who came near me. Why might you ask? Because I was depressed. Not blue, or sad, or a little under the weather I was full blown living under the gray haze and constant discomfort of depression. You see I’ve always been a happy-go-lucky, optimistic, high-energy kind of gal. After having kids I experienced a drag in energy (of course, you think, but it was more than that). After suffering silently for 9 months I sought help and was diagnosed with Post Partum Depression. I went on a mild low dosage anti-depressant. Well my friends, my youngest is two years old now and I thought I couldn’t possibly still have post partum so I weaned myself off. Not easy to do even not easier for my family to live with me. After much stress and months of exhaustion I decided to seek medical assistance and was told to go back on. I wanted to be stronger than it. I thought if I was active, physically fit, involved in non-profit work, active in church I could get through it on my own. The truth is I have a chemical imbalance brought on by heredity and childbirth. It may clear up when my chemicals re-balance or I may be on something for the rest of my life. The good news, on them I feel better and honestly that’s all that matters. I’m a better mom, a better wife and a better person. My optimism is back. My joie de vivre. So hear me loud and proud, I am a mom on meds.
Here are some symptoms of post partum depression and places locally to go for information and support:
Feeling sad or depressed, crying for no apparent reason
Lack of energy or motivation
Loss of appetite or overeating
Changes in sleep patterns, insomnia or restless sleep
Difficulty concentrating or focusing
Feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless
Feelings of not being a good mother
Thoughts of hurting yourself or baby or the opposite, lack of concern for the baby
Headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations
Feeling restless, irritable or “on edge”
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should contact your health care provider. Locally, you can also contact: www.postpartum.net or
www.postpartumhealth.com and one I found personally wonderful is/www.janehonikman.com. Jane’s universal message for those who suffer PPD is that: You are not alone. You are not to blame for your feelings. You will be well and fell like yourself again. PPD is treatable. I hope this helps you if you are suffering. Dawn can be contacted at DawnDNew@yahoo.com
