Totally New Moms: Make the call

While it's fresh on my mind and heavy on my heart today I want to talk to you about some serious issues. I am quite sure there are three types of people concerning postpartum depression: those of you who think it's nonsense (that was me twenty years ago), those of you who have friends or family who have gone through it but you haven't, and those of you who have suffered it's nastiness. I've discovered that most women suffer in silence and never seek help. Eventually most cases of PPD will run their course over time, like 12-18 months. Why on earth wouldn't you want the best quality of life while your baby is brand new? I urge you to get help or get help for your friends/ family. Make the call. Start with who you feel comfortable with. If you find yourself surrounded by people who don't believe PPD, surround yourself with those who know better. It's a real, treatable disease. Find someone you trust to help you get started on the healing process. Maybe it's your pediatrician, obstetrician, family practice doctor. Call your pastor, he'll have resources, too. Call someone professional. They are qualified to help you and point you in the direction of more help if you need it. If any of these symptoms resonate with you, please make the call.

*sleepless

*crying A LOT

*feeling inadequate/ overwhelmed

*fear of being alone with the baby

*poor eating habits

*lack of interest in usual activities

*lack of interest in friends

*lack of interest in sex

*hopeless

*suicidal thinking

*intrusive/ disturbing thoughts

*obsessive-compulsive behaviors

*poor concentration/ memory

*feeling numb

*withdrawn

*thinking about hurting your baby

If you are feeling any of these things for more than a couple weeks, please call someone for help. There is help and someone will take you seriously. Advocate for your health; most likely, no one else will. If you won't do it for yourself, consider doing it for your family. After you've called a professional, please call on the true Healer. Tell your heavenly Father that you are hurting. He is the best refuge available to you.

Be lifted-

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