Maternal Depression Month: Text Message Red Flag
8/14/2019 | Text I sent my sisters (10 weeks pregnant)
“No just...like. I don’t know how to put it into words. I mean, just DEAD inside. I don’t sleep at night. I just go through the motions throughout the day, barely. I just always want to be left alone. Idk. Just nothing in my head. No emotions. I cry because I can’t sleep or breathe because my chest is so tight. Yep.”
11/11/2019 | Note I wrote in my phone (22 weeks pregnant)
“I don’t want to die, but I don’t want to live.”
Something I learned while pregnant and experiencing depression is that depression during and after pregnancy occurs more often than most people realize. Depression during pregnancy is also called antepartum or prenatal depression, and depression after pregnancy is called postpartum depression. (Source: Postpartum International Support)
I sent the above texts to my safe people to let them know I wasn’t okay. I talked with my partner about how I was feeling. I told my doctor, many, many times. I was honest with my doulas. I made notes on my phone so that when I met with my doctor and they asked me, “How are you feeling?” I would answer them honestly.
Far too many pregnant people and parents suffer in silence. Download this PDF, “Postpartum Red Flags,” to help you identify what are normal "baby blues’' and when you may need more help. These are not "one size fit all" and you may have only a few symptoms. If you do not feel like yourself, or your partner tells you that you are acting off or different, know you are not alone. We are here to help.
NCCC has several therapists who specialize in supporting individuals who struggle with pregnancy and postpartum depression and anxiety. Starting the conversation with a professional was key to my own healing journey. I know it can be scary to take the next step, but we’re here to support you. We’ve been in your shoes.
This National Maternal Depression Month, if you’re pregnant or postpartum and experiencing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, send a text to a safe person, write a note about how you’re feeling, make an appointment with a therapist today.