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I Love My Son… But I’m Not Okay

I love River more than anything in this world… and that’s what makes this so hard to admit.

Because nobody tells you that you can love your baby with your whole heart… and still feel like you’re drowning.

Postpartum depression isn’t gentle.
It’s not just tears or “baby blues.”

It’s sitting there holding River, kissing his little face, breathing him in… and still feeling this heavy, empty weight in my chest that won’t go away.

It’s the thoughts I don’t say out loud.
The guilt that follows me all day.
The quiet fear that maybe I’m not the mom he deserves.

It’s being so exhausted I feel sick… but when I finally get a moment to rest, my mind won’t stop.
It just gets louder.

It’s going through every feeding, every diaper change, every moment… like I’m on autopilot.
Like I’m there, but not really there.

And the scariest part?
Sometimes I don’t recognize myself anymore.
I don’t feel like the girl I used to be.
I feel like pieces of me disappeared somewhere along the way… and I don’t know how to get them back.

I hate admitting this.
Because I am grateful.
Because I do love him more than life itself.

But I’m struggling.

And pretending I’m okay is getting harder and harder.

If you’ve ever felt this way… the love and the heaviness existing at the same time… you’re not alone.

Even if it feels like you are.
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Hotchocolatezebra · 36-40, F
I'm sorry you're going through this. The fact that you're admitting your struggle I believe is the first step to healing. You're making an effort in taking care of him even when it's hard, that's love. Keep going, keep pushing. Don't give up no matter what. Find someone to talk to or go for therapy if you need to because you can't fight this alone. I pray for healing for you..🤗
CharityRae · 36-40, F
@Hotchocolatezebra Thank you… it’s been really hard to even admit this out loud, but I’m trying to keep going for him. Your support means a lot 🤍
PatientlyWaiting25 · 46-50, F
Bless you. Reading this has really made me want to give you a hug. I'm so sorry you're struggling so much. I have three adopted children and although I've not experienced postpartum depression I can certainly relate to feeling much of what you described on my own parenting journey. Be gentle with yourself mama, do you have someone who helps with the baby so you can take a break? It's so much to adjust to.

Did you get help from your doctor yet? They will be able to help with hormone balance and prescribe the right meds if you need it.

I'm an aromatherapist and the other day I was reading this study on the use of Lavender and Rose otto essential oils for postpartum depression.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.05.002

If you'd like to try this you can use 30ml of carrier oil with 8 drops each of the Rose otto and Lavender. They are lovely essential oils and the therapeutic qualities of them are astounding.

Big hugs to you. This won't be forever. You'll get through. I said a prayer for you and your little one xx
CharityRae · 36-40, F
@PatientlyWaiting25 Thank you so much for this, truly. Your words meant more than you probably realize. Some days feel really heavy, and just being seen like this helps a lot.

I do have a little bit of help, but it’s still been such a big adjustment… I don’t think anything can fully prepare you for how overwhelming it can feel sometimes. I’m trying to remind myself to be gentle like you said, even when that’s hard.

I haven’t reached out to my doctor yet, but I know I probably should, and hearing you say that gives me a little push in that direction. Thank you for that.

And I really appreciate you sharing the essential oils info too I might actually look into trying that. Even small things that might help feel worth it right now.

Thank you for your kindness, your prayer, and just taking the time to write this. It really did feel like a hug 🤍
PatientlyWaiting25 · 46-50, F
@CharityRae you're very welcome. If you ever need just to chat about anything, I'm only an inbox away ♥
Fairygirl19 · 31-35, F
If you ever need to talk I went through the same thing with my daughter exhaustion worry anxiety so many emotions you got this mama 🩷
CharityRae · 36-40, F
@Fairygirl19 thank you so much sweetie😊
Justbegood · 31-35, M
Sending hugs x
CharityRae · 36-40, F
@Justbegood 🤍🫶🏻
Justbegood · 31-35, M
@CharityRae always around if you need to talk x
dale74 · M
Loving a child and feeling not worthy of the privilege and honor of being the parent is the sign of a great parent. Means you know the responsibility.
CharityRae · 36-40, F
@dale74 🫶🏻
wintersecret · 46-50, M
CharityRae · 36-40, F
GunFinger · F
Hi, I read something like this today: if you have anyone. Family or friends. Please reach out and ask for help. You need support from real people around you. Wishing you positivity.
CharityRae · 36-40, F
@GunFinger thank you 🤍 I have only told one person that I know IRL and she’s been great… it’s really hard and embarrassing to talk about, I don’t even know why..
GunFinger · F
@CharityRae don't be embarrassed. it's good and it's important to let it all out.😊
RebelRaven · 51-55, F
I had postpartum with my daughter, it took me until she was 19 months old to admit it and go on antidepressants, after 10 months I was myself again and went off them. 🤗🤗
SlaveEt · 36-40, F
My first question is have you spoken to your doctor about what you are feeling? You have done nothing wrong, it is not your fault you feel this way and it doesn't have to be like this. It is possible to find your missing pieces, to shed the heavy weight and be you again. Do it for your little boy while he is still little if you can't seem to find the energy or will to do it for yourself. You are not alone either beautiful.
mrnature94 · 46-50, M
I wish I could do something to help you! I'm always a message away if you need to vent.
Kypro · 46-50, M
Being a parent is the toughest thing you’ll do. Allow that no one is perfect but we do the best for our kids and they know that.
I don't claim to understand being a mother but I do understand that it's okay to experience these thoughts and feelings.

I'm here to say it as you worded. You can feel like you're drowning and still love your baby with your whole heart. I know you do. 🫂
plinkplonk · F
There is a reason why you don't recognize yourself. You are no longer your past self. You are now a mother. It takes fire to make steel. You are feeling the heat. The result will be spectacular. I promise you. In the meantime, be kind to yourself and realize you are not alone. ❤
DrWatson · 70-79, M
I am so sorry you are dealing with this.

I hesitate to go on, because I don't want to be "that guy" who says, "I know what happened to someone else, so of course that is what will happen to you". Please don't read the following in that spirit.

My wife also experienced post-partum depression. She talked with her doctor about it. He suggested medication that often treats post-partum depression.

She declined, preferring to be more "natural and holistic" in her approach.

The results, and long-term consequences, were devastating. She eventually wished she had taken the doctor's advice.

I am not trying to tell you what to do, other than to strongly suggest you talk with a medical professional about options, and the positives and negatives of them. And then make your own decision.

Our daughter is in her 30's now, but my wife still has to take psychiatric medication for psychosis and clinical depression for the rest of her life. Because of that, and because I know the hell it has put both of us through, my conscience nagged me to share the story with you. I acknowledge however that it might not apply to you at all.
I hear you. There's far too much silence in a woman's life. Far too much pretence that things just go smoothly, when life is taking a toll on us. Hormones playing havoc with our brain , but not just, mental fatigue due to all the silent risks we have to anticipate, lack of support .
Bklynbadboy12 · 36-40, M
Damn I'm so sorry your going though that but I'm even more happy that your talking about it. Cause if you dont say you need help you wont get help. That being said maybe you need to talk to a professional
IronHamster · 56-60, M
Post partum depression is nutritional. There are areas in the distant world where the placenta is turned into a soup for the mother to consume. As gross as you might think that is, in these tribes post partum depression is not a known thing.
SlaveEt · 36-40, F
@IronHamster
There are a lot of hormones in the placenta sir

 
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