The elephant in the room

I think its time we talk about the elephant in the room. And no I am not talking about the birds and the bees talk....get your mind out of the gutter. But hey at least now I have your attention don't I? I am talking about Postpartum depression. The elephant in every room of new mothers. Something that occurs all too frequently yet is shushed and pushed to the side. A can of worms that no one wants to open up.

When a baby is born all anyone wants to do is see the new baby. A new mom is constantly asked lots of questions, the important ones you know of course. "Is the baby sleeping through the night", "Is the baby a good baby" and my favorite "Do you nap when the baby naps?". Ya the important questions. Yet nowhere in those inquiries is the new mother asked how she is doing. You all do realize she just gave birth? The new mother is just as important as the new baby. Maybe if new mothers were wrapped in those hospital blankets and given cute little clothes everyone would ooh and ahh all over them as well.

Postpartum despression is a silent battle. It creeps up on you when you least expect it and slowly consumes your entire being. In a day you can go from being so happy and in love to wanting nothing to do with your precious new baby. Sounds horrible right? Then why is such a serious matter so taboo?

My daughter wasn't even a week old when postpartum hit me head on. I recall someone saying "you haven't smiled once today, you should be smiling". Um hello, why wasn't that a huge red flag to them?! Maybe instead of telling me to smile they should of asked if I was okay. I remember counting down the hours till my new baby would go to sleep because I just couldn't handle it. I silently cried an entire night while my daughter slept on my chest and then had to put on a brave face the next day. Most days I felt as if I wasn't even there. I was sick to my stomach and shaking with emotions. I lost more weight then I ever have. Yet not one person noticed. I struggled with postpartum depression for most of my daughters first year.

Unfortunately my story is all too familiar to other mothers. We struggle to get through each day when we should be soaking up and enjoying every moment with our new baby. I urge everyone to be more observant. We owe it to current and future mothers. I understand a new baby is exciting but what that baby needs more then anything is a happy mom. Take time to check in on them, bring them what they need and most of all just be there to listen. And just because a mothers social media may display one life does not mean that is how she is feeling inside. Together we can change the image that surrounds postpartum depression.

And to those who are currently struggling, please reach out to someone. No one should have to fight this uphill battle alone. I know this monster inside may seem unmanageable but trust me there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Don't give up.

~You are enough. You are so enough. It is unbelievable how enough you are.~