According to the American Psychological Association, one in seven women suffers from postpartum depression, and it is estimated that one in five adults in the United States experiences some kind of mental health problem over the course of a year. In Babies and more We have previously talked about the emotional health of mothers and the strong impact that postpartum depression can have on them.
And although more is being talked about every day about it, there are still many women who hide it and feel ashamed of having depression or anxiety, due to the stigma of these diseases. That is why A group of mothers has created a movement on Instagram called # Iam1in5 (I am one in five), in which they seek to break the stigmas of anxiety and depression.
Mom has depression
A study we shared a long time ago revealed that one in five recent mothers hid that they suffered from depression or postpartum anxiety. And you know why it is? To feel judged or criticized for having a mental health problem as mothers and lack of support and empathy to address these issues.
As a mother who has suffered from depression and still continues to fight anxiety day by day, I know how difficult it is to speak on this subject publicly. When we become mothers, many people expect us to feel radiant, full of energy and overwhelmed with the joy of having our baby. But sometimes, it is not so.
I am one in five
The # Iam1in5 movement of which I speak today, is one that started Desiree Fortin, a mother blogger who started fighting depression and anxiety after having triplets. On her Instagram account @thefortintrio, she posted an image showing the medications she should take and tells how the battle against her mental health problems began.
Mental Health Loop Dear Anxiety, Do you remember the first time I even recognized your presence as a new Mom I remember it like it was yesterday. The triplets were just weeks old. They cried all the time. It was before we knew they had GERD and the sleep deprivation was ruining me. It was the middle of the night and our boys wouldnt stop crying. Do you remember yet Everything I knew to do to as a Mother to help them wasnt working. I cried so hard weeping with my babies, I dont know how to help you. That was the beginning of our journey together. Although I know you likely snuck your way in before that moment, that was the first time I saw how cruel you really can be. Weeks went by before I got help. Im sure you remember that. You used that time as an opportunity to breathe lies and fears into my heart. You stole my confidence and joy. I was afraid to take my newborns anywhere. You crippled me. You were the culprit to my ongoing panic attacks. I was in a depression and walking through a lonely postpartum season. It was hard, but I got help. I made a choice to change. I am 1 in 5. And its okay. I am on medication. And its okay. I a good mom. You can't take that away from me. I wont let you. Its been almost 3 years since you entered my life and I still have to face you daily. But you have never won. Lately, you have made your presence especially known in my being. I am in a tough season. However, perhaps you underestimated me. I will always choose to stand against you, stay healthy, and be strong for my family as I conquer the struggles you bring me. Anxiety, You are apart of my story. I never wanted you. I never asked for you. But God is using you to make my story beautiful, to reach the hearts of the hurting, to remind those that are 1 in 5 that they are not alone. Sincerely, #togetherwearestrong I cant even tell how I excited I am to share this new series with you. Many brave Moms are standing with me and sharing their # iam1in5 stories. Please continue the loop to @theashmoresblog This amazing mama is also taking over my page to share her beautiful and strong heart with you tomorrow. Tee @themomculture
"I am one in five. And it's OK. I am taking medicines. And it's OK. I am a good mom. You can't take that away from me. I won't let you", Desiree writes in a message addressed to her anxiety, which she has managed to control over the past three years.
The purpose of this movement, to which other women, mothers and even fathers have joined, is the make these diseases visible and raise awareness about how much they suffer when they suffer, which is usually silent.
Mental Health LoopSo I know my last couple posts have been a little heavy but I was asked to join this loop and I just couldnt pass it up because talking about mental health is so important. After my son was born I had pretty debilitating postpartum depression. Its sort of part of what I touched on in my last post. Its the craziest feeling to be so grateful for a life you created but to be so desperately sad and lonely. I ended up on a low dose of Zoloft and let me tell you- it saved me. Fast forward to after having the girls and its been an entirely different ball game. I had absolutely zero postpartum depression BUT my anxiety ramped up tremendously. I've struggled my entire life with anxiety. I wasnt officially diagnosed with GAD until my second therapist. I never stuck out therapy, but I did learn things about myself. What a lot of people dont understand is that anxiety isnt solely feelings of stress. Sometimes anxiety is just there. The smallest of things can trigger a dump of emotions. Its like a domino effect. One minute Im in the happy zone, and the next Im ruminating in every little thing that could possibly go wrong in life. I find myself reverting back to old ways of forcing control over everything. When i feel overwhelmed by my thoughts I find myself focusing on one thing that I can control. For example, before I had any kids at all I was pretty fitness obsessed, but it wasnt all about being healthy. I found myself controlling every little thing from the calories I ate to the calories I burned and it never felt like enough. But you know what the worst part of anxiety is to me How selfish it makes me. Because when my brain is rapid firing all of these little negative thoughts - it means my attention isnt on anyone else. Im ashamed to say this even happened last night, Im still tearing Up about it. My husband is out of town and amidst the chaos of bedtime I completely forgot to feed Archer dinner. I apologized profusely and pulled him back out to eat dinner. Do you struggle Have you gotten help… Please continue the loop to my sweet brave friend @katiemcrenshaw as she shares her mental health journey
Mental Health Loop Approximately 1 in 5 Americans struggle with mental disorder. ONE. IN. FIVE Let it sink in. For me, it's been generalized anxiety disorder with panic disorder, and major depressive episodes exacerbated by hormone shifts… (hello Postpartum) and, yep. Suicidal ideation at times, too. I've been struggling and walking uphill with lead on my feet since I was nine years old. I've done yoga, changed my diet, meditated, prayed, exercised, you name it. I'm 32 years old and I'm finally confident and thriving on a combination of (necessary) medication, weekly psychotherapy, and a strict self care regimen. I have a large support group and am surrounded by love. But, guess what There will always be a battle to fight. As common as these things are, it shouldn't feel so weird and vulnerable to share about it- but it does. Somehow, our culture created a stigma around brain health and psychological deficits. We decided as a society that people who don't produce adequate brain chemicals are weak, crazy, lazy, or dumb. I'm here today to add a face to the numbers. I'm part of the 20% of us who struggle. I'm proud of the challenges I have because they've forced me to literally fight for my life. They've made me strong. Most of all, they've given me a platform to smash the stigma. Head over to @ meg.boggs next to read her story. And drop a comment if you're also a # 1in5. #mentalhealthmatters #anxietydisorder #ppd #ppa
"I want to remind people that they are not alone in their mental health battles"Desiree comments in an interview for Scary Mommy."Vulnerability is something that connects us as humans and sometimes that means talking about difficult things, and mental health is one of them, but it is also liberating when you do it.".
Mental Health Loop Lets get real for a minute. Did you know that 1 in 5 people suffer from some type of mental illness Did you know that 1 in 7 women suffer from postpartum depression Up to 50% of individuals with PPD are never detected. Another fact most people probably dont know… suicide accounts for about 20% of postpartum deaths and is the second most common cause of mortality in postpartum women… I've always wanted to be vocal about my experience with this because its not talked about enough. It started for me after my second son. I dealt with the baby blues and that turned into postpartum depression and anxiety. I've struggled with it from that point to now since having my babies ... Theres a stigma in our culture that needs to be torn down about these topics. I didnt know anything about this after having my first son. I had to really research since having symptoms after my second son to pinpoint what was happening to me. It wasnt normal and no one talked about it… 1 in 7 women, yall The statistics are unbelievable. We cant afford to be ignorant on this topic. If you're struggling, mama, please know you're not alone. Reach out for help. Whether that be someone you know locally, someone professionally or a friend on social media. There is hope even when you cant see it. Know you are loved and worth it. Take care of yourself… Those of you that dont struggle with this, chances are if you have friends or family, which you do, then you know someone who deals with this. They may not appear like theyre struggling. They may act like theyre strong but internally, theyre weary. Reach out if you have that inkling or have clues that this person might need you. You never know what a blessing you might be to someone… If youre # 1in5, double tap this and drop a comment below Continue the loop and read about my friends mental health journey - @ th3littlestavenger.
#i_am_enough_movement Somehow the second I became a Mother I already labeled myself as not enough. When the triplets were born I almost died. I didnt get to meet them for an entire day. I remember feeling like I wasnt enough, like I failed them because my first moments with them were through FaceTime. And then 3 months into their lives I made the decision to stop breastfeeding. I wasn't enough then either. It wasnt long until GERD kicked in. Not only did I feel incredibly helpless, but I felt inadequate as a Mother. I wasn't enough. My body has also changed dramatically. Sometimes I don't even feel comfortable in my own skin; the wrinkles, the sag. I've even wondered, is my husband attracted to me anymore I am not enough. There was also the day my doctor diagnosed me with postpartum depression and anxiety and prescribed me medication to help me function day to day. That was a day I will never forget, a day when I truly felt like I wasnt enough. My daughter almost drowned this summer. I failed her. I didnt keep her safe. I wasn't enough then either. If only I could have seen that I have always been enough and I will always be enough. On the day I almost died delivering my babies, I brought 3 lives into this world. I am enough. On the day I chose to stop breastfeeding, I chose to feed my babies. I am enough. I felt helpless all those months my babies suffered with gerd, but I did everything I could to help them. I am enough. On the day I was diagnosed with PPD and anxiety, I made a choice to change, to be healthy for my family, to be a better me. I am enough. My body is different now. I brought life into this world and that is so beautiful. I am enough. My daughter almost drowned this summer, but she survived because I saved her. I am enough. It is very easy to twist our perspective as a Mother and see all our faults, but Mama, change what you see because I guarentee you are enough My dear friend @lizdean is also discussing how she discovered that she is enough too. Have you ever struggled with feeling like youre enough Share your story and be proud because You are enough too Tee @curlyqscounter #teamself
Starting to talk about these issues will never be easy for those who suffer from them.Well, in addition to the lack of understanding about them, they often dominate you, beating your rational part and making you think you are a failure or nobody can help you.
But it can. Yes there is light at the end of the road, and I know it because I was there. The mental health of mothers is also an issue that should matter to us and that you need to have a space in each medical consultation before, during and after pregnancy.
If you know or suspect a mother or someone close to you who has depression, there is much you can do for her. Come closer, ask her about it and make sure you convey her empathy, making it clear that you will not judge her and that you are there to support her.
Personally, the movement that these mothers have started, I love it because, although I did not need medication to treat my depression, I hope it helps to raise awareness of the importance of talking about these issues and I will soon begin to see a real change in attention to the mental health of mothers.
