When I found out I was pregnant for the first time, I had no idea how profoundly my life would change. I struggled with my pregnancy—endless nausea, headaches, heartburn, even losing half a tooth were just a prelude to the challenges ahead. Yet, fueled by social media's glossy portrayals of parenthood, I held onto the naive belief that I would effortlessly handle sleepless nights, breastfeeding, and all the other tasks that I had never encountered before with ease. HA!
My son's birth was not the serene experience I had hoped for. It was an emergency C-section, and I was too dazed from Ketamine to remember his birth. Suddenly, I felt like everything was spinning out of control. Guilt and shame engulfed me as I struggled with emotions I never anticipated. My strong desire to ‘bounce back’ only prolonged the recovery my body so desperately needed post op. The reality hit hard—I wasn't immune to postpartum difficulties.
Postpartum depression descended like a dark cloud. Endless tears, hopelessness, and a profound sense of loss consumed me. I mourned the person I used to be, feeling as though I had lost myself entirely. Despite my OB's recommendation for medication, I yearned for understanding and connection more than anything. As both a past client and a licensed psychotherapist (as you’ve probably gathered by now), I craved someone to listen, to validate my feelings, and to assure me that I wasn't alone in this struggle. I knew that I couldn’t keep my thoughts and feelings to myself anymore.
With time, and with the support of my village, I began to find my way through the darkness. Opening about my struggles allowed me to receive the support I desperately needed. I learned to ask for help and began embracing (and seriously loving) my role as a mother. It wasn't an instant fix, but each day brought a bit more light into my life.
As I navigated through the challenges of early days of motherhood, I discovered strength I never knew I had. This journey redefined me in profound ways. I realized that struggling didn't make me weak—it made me human. Every setback became an opportunity for growth, and every small victory reminded me of my resilience.
Reflecting on my journey, I see how far I've come. I share my story to connect with others who may be navigating their own challenges—whether in parenthood or during other transformative phases of life—so they know they are not alone. This defining moment, though difficult, has made me more passionate about using my skillset to serve my community. It has shown me the importance of reaching out, of seeking help, and of finding hope even in the darkest moments.
If you find yourself in a place of struggle, please, reach out. Just because it doesn’t seem like anyone is talking about it doesn’t mean that it isn’t real or happening to others. Reach out, seek support, and embark on your journey to healing. Embrace the transformation happening within you; it's shaping you into a stronger, more compassionate person. It’s REDEFINING you (haha… see what I did there?!) And most importantly, believe that brighter days are ahead—you're not alone in whatever struggle has brought you to seek services. You are here for a reason, and life affords us the opportunity to discover all that you are.