A Letter to the New Mom Struggling With PPD
Hey mama.
Whatever brings you here I want you to know, you are not alone. There is space for you here.
There is nothing wrong with you. And you are not a bad mother no matter what you are thinking or feeling.
You are just a mama who is struggling and struggling is part of being human.
I know when you’re in the depths of ppd it can feel like you are swimming upstream, alone and afraid. It feels like it will never end, that this suffering is your new normal.
I’m here to tell you it’s not.
With loving care and support, you can and will feel like your self again. It will take some time. There is hope.
I see you.
At home with a newborn. Devastated with fear, rage, grief, anxiety that just won't quit, exhaustion and guilt. You expected motherhood to be hard but you didn’t know it would feel like this. You’re trying to decipher if these feelings are 'normal'. You feel scared to share how you’re really feeling with anyone. In your gut you know something isn’t right. You’re not sure what to do.
I see you.
With your toddler. Struggling to make it through each day. Waiting for things to get better, for you to feel like yourself again. Society tells you the postpartum period is over, but you're still struggling and wonder why you can't seem to enjoy your life. Every day you still find yourself crying, feeling overwhelmed, insecure. You’re trying to surrender to your new normal but deep down you know you could feel better, enjoy motherhood more; you just have no idea what the next step is.
Postpartum depression is a huge blow to motherhood. It knocks you off your feet, keeping you isolated, fearful, in pain and feeling powerless. You embrace moments of feeling like all is well, that things are getting better, only to get hit by another wave.
The dang stigma is real. Society tells you motherhood is bliss, that these days go by so fast so you should enjoy them. But all you want is for these days to be OVER so you can feel happy again.
Did you know that symptoms of postpartum depression are most commonly experienced within the first year of motherhood? And for many women who are unaware of what they are struggling with or how to get help, the symptoms and suffering can continue on for years. Yes, years.
Healing ppd takes time. It also takes connection and community, finding trusted others you can open up to, share what's on your heart, find support and healing. No matter where you are at in your motherhood journey there’s always hope.
It will get easier, you just have to take that first step.
Find resources and support here:
Postpartum Support International
If you’re looking for support, please reach out. I currently offer holistic psychotherapy in-person in El Dorado Hills, San Anselmo and San Francisco, CA as well as online to individuals residing in California.
I look forward to speaking with you.
- Kim
MEET KIM
Kim is a licensed holistic psychotherapist with deep roots in the worlds of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. She honors the mind, body, spirit connection and supports individuals struggling with anxiety, trauma, spiritual awakening, and motherhood. Kim offers evidence-based treatment with a heart centered approach, integrating the depth of western psychology with the heart and soul of eastern mysticism. She helps her clients unravel the root cause of their suffering and to live from the heart of embodied wisdom. Kim currently offers holistic counseling to individuals in El Dorado Hills, CA and online. Call/text to set up an appointment: 916.467.9539, or click below to book a no-cost consultation call.
