Lately I have found myself thinking about postpartum depression. One of the many struggles women experience after giving birth. I have a strong feeling that I had postpartum depression after my second daughter.
I lost my job when I was 33 weeks pregnant, and struggled to find a new one. I found out shortly after having my daughter that my husband was to be deployed. I wanted so badly to be a stay-at-home mom but I knew that I couldn’t. I felt like a failure. I didn’t ask for help or reach out to let people know I was struggling at all. To be honest, I’m not sure how I pulled myself out of it. Once I finally found a job after 10 months of searching, it was almost time for my husbands deployment. I felt like I was finally getting everything together. Then after a month, the rug was pulled right out from under me again.
I knew that military wives did this all the time. But I had an infant, and a child beginning school. I was starting a new job, breastfeeding and suddenly, alone. I had some good friends in my corner and I will never be able to thank them enough for all their help during that time. When I look back, I realize now, I was running on auto pilot……survival mode. I somehow made it through without professional help, but that does NOT mean I wouldn’t have benefited greatly from it.
In today‘s world, women are expected to have it all! Have children, go to work, make dinner, have sex, be supportive, and look good while doing it.
I’m here to say that it is okay to not be okay. It is okay to ask for help. Ignoring self-care can be more damaging that we realize. Self-care has become a priority for me this year. I may never be great at making time for myself but it is worth trying. If nothing else, I can at least keep myself grounded, and not completely get lost in this crazy, beautiful life.
The photos I am sharing below are of people close to my heart who have struggled in their own ways. They are strong, and found comfort and confidence in having these photos taken. I hope that you find some comfort in knowing that you are not alone, you can find balance. You are a super hero!
Xoxo
Noella
