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I don't ever recall be warned or even talked to about PPD and only recently have I edjucated myself enough to realize that my family was destroyed by it. We totally fell apart and all along...I just thought that the major depression I had before my pregnancy had gotten worse after I gave birth to my twins. I lost years with my babies, my 7 year old and went through a divorce, but couldn't figure out what was wrong with me.
It's been so frustrating to think that I lost so much time and although I was taking antidepressants (which were constantly changing until a few years ago) I had no idea I had PPD therfor I didn't know I needed therapy. I wish my x-husband and I couldv'e gotten some help so our childn't wouldn't have gone through all the pain/suffering they went through, especially each night I'd say goodnight/good-bye because it was just too overwelming/frightening to be with them over a long period of time.
If I could just help one person out there avoid what I went through...wow. If only someone had pulled my husband and I aside back in 1997/1998 and got our attention to let us know what was "really happening" to our family (before it was too late). If Only-
Patti, Battle Creek MI
[edited by empowHer to remove personal contact information]
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Patti,
Maya Angelou has a wonderful quote that I've fallen back on many times:
"We do the best we can with what we know, and when we know better, we do better."
You did the best you could at the time. You have to remember that.
Your post is warm and heartfelt and I know it will help other women who are going through the same thing but perhaps don't know it yet. Thanks so much for writing.
May 4, 2009 - 8:03amThis Comment
Patti, I'm so sorry to hear that you and your family suffered in such a big way from PPD. How awful, and not to mention frustrating to know that you had PPD but didn't realize it. Please don't torture yourself with the "what if's." I've been there myself and it can totally drive you nuts. Somehow I reached the point where I was more forgiving of myself and realized that I did the best I could at the time.
Do you feel like PPD is completely behind you? Do you still struggle with it from time to time? PPD, when not treated, can hang on for many years and sometimes develop into chronic depression.
I've heard from a lot of women who, even today, are suffering because we still have so much work to do to spread awareness of perinatal mood disorders. I've written quite a bit about PPD since I experienced it as well and wish that we could put an end to the suffering. I had PPD back in 1996, and up until I was finally diagnosed, I'd never heard of it. For several years now, I've been trying to help various PPD organizations and experts spread the word about its potential devastation to women and their families. And about how it's so easily treatable as well as preventable.
There is current legislation before the US Senate that, if passed, will do wonders to improve the care and PPD education that new mothers receive. If you'd like to help get the bill passed, here is some info on it that was written by Susan Dowd Stone, a nationally-renowned PPD expert and women's health advocate who writes for EmpowHer: https://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/03/31/melanie-blocker-stokes-mothers-act-passes-house
You can also find some of my PPD articles by clicking on the below link:
https://www.empowher.com/search/google?cx=001740413268797642882%3Axdyajny4mzk&cof=FORID%3A11&query=Kristin+Davis%2C+PPD&op=GO&form_build_id=form-53253113da48cfc176ccab880bbcbb87&form_token=d5302685f9d6569ebaa6f7b886454858&form_id=google_cse_searchbox_form
Please let me know how you're doing and if life has gotten easier for you and your family.
Kristin
April 30, 2009 - 10:41pmThis Comment
Hi, Patti:
Unfortunately, back in the late 1990's, there was neither enough information about PPD, nor had this site yet been created to help provide information. We're happy you found us and we hope you'll find some comfort in knowing that you're not alone.
I'm so sorry that you have gone through such trauma and agony due to your PPD. Did you get any guidance from your doctor, a counselor or friends during your research? How did you find empowHer?
April 30, 2009 - 8:01pmThis Comment