After talking with someone I see on a regular basis about parenthood, somehow the subject of postpartum depression came up. I don't remember how, but I am so thankful it did. After sharing a bit about my PPD experience, this someone in my life opened up to tell me about their experience. It was moving and I couldn't help but get goosebumps throughout listening to her story. I could relate SO much to what she was telling me!
But perhaps the most moving part about our conversation was the fact that she had only told ONE other person about her postpartum depression experience. That broke my heart. She had been carrying these feelings and struggles around for several years and she said after hearing me say that she's not alone in feeling the way she felt - this friend told me a weight had been lifted from her that was so heavy. Just by this ONE conversation.
As I told you, I was moved. So moved that I've decided to have several friends guest blog about their PPD experiences in hopes to demystify some of the misunderstandings or unknowns. I want to spread some awareness about something that affects 20% of all postpartum women. {For those who might not understand that clearly: That means roughly 20% of all women following childbirth.} Did you know that rough estimates from 2010 suggested that 1.3 million women experience PPD every year? That number is higher than the number of people who sprain their ankle every year. That number is higher than the number of people who have a stroke every year. Hard to believe, isn't it, that it affects such a large number of people and yet there are so many who are too intimidated to ask for help.
So, I hope you will join me over the next few weeks as I feature a few brave and beautiful mothers who will be sharing their intimate stories.
But perhaps the most moving part about our conversation was the fact that she had only told ONE other person about her postpartum depression experience. That broke my heart. She had been carrying these feelings and struggles around for several years and she said after hearing me say that she's not alone in feeling the way she felt - this friend told me a weight had been lifted from her that was so heavy. Just by this ONE conversation.
As I told you, I was moved. So moved that I've decided to have several friends guest blog about their PPD experiences in hopes to demystify some of the misunderstandings or unknowns. I want to spread some awareness about something that affects 20% of all postpartum women. {For those who might not understand that clearly: That means roughly 20% of all women following childbirth.} Did you know that rough estimates from 2010 suggested that 1.3 million women experience PPD every year? That number is higher than the number of people who sprain their ankle every year. That number is higher than the number of people who have a stroke every year. Hard to believe, isn't it, that it affects such a large number of people and yet there are so many who are too intimidated to ask for help.
So, I hope you will join me over the next few weeks as I feature a few brave and beautiful mothers who will be sharing their intimate stories.
I can't wait to be reading your guest posts. I've really missed reading your blog posts, and am looking forward to this being active once again!
ReplyDeleteI am excited to read these posts!
ReplyDelete