Therese
Being a mother has been the most rewarding experience of my life — but those early years were incredibly tough.
I experienced postnatal depression with both of my daughters. It was an unexpected and frightening experience that had a huge impact on my life and relationships. It was a lonely, confusing, and isolating time — one I am deeply grateful I survived and was able to overcome.
After a fantastic pregnancy but a challenging birth, I immediately connected with my baby daughter and felt positive about what was ahead. Five days after the birth, I woke up feeling completely different — anxious, dark and fearful. It was like night and day. I couldn't eat, sleep or relax for months. I felt isolated, strung out and scared.
I cried at many doctor appointments and no one picked up on my depression — it was dismissed as the baby blues, or I was told to "toughen up and get through it." These reactions only exacerbated the shame and hopelessness I was already feeling.
It wasn't until my obstetrician asked how I was really doing that I broke down. A combination of medication, therapy and a support group helped me finally feel like myself again.
Three years later our second daughter was born and despite being better prepared, I had a similar experience, though not as severe. This time I asked for help sooner and felt far less shame.