I’ve just found your newsletter! Yay. Thank you for sharing what sounds like a harrowing journey. So glad you came through it and can now bring hope to others. Did the stay in the hospital help? It sounds very traumatic and not supportive?
Becoming a mother is a core-shaking initiation. From the moment I gave birth my insides were suddenly on the outside, where they’ve remained ever since!
Thank you, Vicki. The hospital stay helped for stabilizing me and for getting me the medication I needed. Overall, though, it could have been such more supportive and helpful. It was an eye-opening experience. And I couldn’t agree more about motherhood!
This is a really powerful piece. My son turned one yesterday, and while I didn't experience postpartum psychosis, I did experience a whole swathe of emotional and mental states that were entirely alien to me. Those first few weeks are a terrifying time, and that's not something anybody talks enough about. Thank you.
Thank you, Rosemary! It really is such a bizarrely secretive and lonely experience; I wish it weren't. And congrats on making it through the first year! I think the first birthday is as much a milestone for the parents as it is the child. xo
Reading of this strong recovery is deeply moving, even though it's just about impossible that I might ever experience anything like it. After all, I'm a Yipster (estrogen-impaired person respelled). I've had my share of impairments and largely recovered, so I can remotely appreciate the strength of your love.
Thank you for your bravery in sharing your experience Katie. I opened up about my battles with paternal post-natal depression after the birth of my son—a problem that not only isn't talked about amongst new fathers, but some believe doesn't even exist.
I've had many people—men suffering in silence and partners who are worried—reach out and tell me how much it has helped. I am certain that your openness and vulnerability here will do the same for others.
(I'm not in the habit of sharing links to my writing in people's comments, but doing so here in case new parents come across your post and it might help. Let me know if you'd rather not have it here and I'll take it away.)
Kevin, thank you for sharing this! It’s beautifully told and I’m so proud of you for speaking out. I also love that West Wing scene! Thank you for reminding me about it.
Katie, you have always taken the courageous path. You have opened your heart and allowed yourself to be vulnerable to friends, family, coworkers and strangers, writing openly and honestly about your experiences and losses. I am not surprised that you would once again, challenge your comfort level and share your experiences of late. You are helping women who have experienced Postpartum psychosis feel understood, less alone and educating those who don’t know enough about it. You are brave beyond words, if anything, I 'edge closer' to you, as your honesty is a breath of fresh air. You are a true definition of a Warrior Woman and I respect you immensely.♥️
Thank you for sharing this. Mental health, specifically experiences revolving around bipolar and psychosis, are so inaccessible to so many who have never gone through them. Coming from someone who has a mother who has suffered from both of those things, I commend you for the strength and grace it takes to talk about living through them. You are strong.
Thank you so so much for bravely sharing your experience.
I’ve just found your newsletter! Yay. Thank you for sharing what sounds like a harrowing journey. So glad you came through it and can now bring hope to others. Did the stay in the hospital help? It sounds very traumatic and not supportive?
Becoming a mother is a core-shaking initiation. From the moment I gave birth my insides were suddenly on the outside, where they’ve remained ever since!
Thank you, Vicki. The hospital stay helped for stabilizing me and for getting me the medication I needed. Overall, though, it could have been such more supportive and helpful. It was an eye-opening experience. And I couldn’t agree more about motherhood!
This is a really powerful piece. My son turned one yesterday, and while I didn't experience postpartum psychosis, I did experience a whole swathe of emotional and mental states that were entirely alien to me. Those first few weeks are a terrifying time, and that's not something anybody talks enough about. Thank you.
Thank you, Rosemary! It really is such a bizarrely secretive and lonely experience; I wish it weren't. And congrats on making it through the first year! I think the first birthday is as much a milestone for the parents as it is the child. xo
Reading of this strong recovery is deeply moving, even though it's just about impossible that I might ever experience anything like it. After all, I'm a Yipster (estrogen-impaired person respelled). I've had my share of impairments and largely recovered, so I can remotely appreciate the strength of your love.
Thank you for your bravery in sharing your experience Katie. I opened up about my battles with paternal post-natal depression after the birth of my son—a problem that not only isn't talked about amongst new fathers, but some believe doesn't even exist.
https://www.thenewfatherhood.org/p/when-fatherhood-doesnt-go-to-plan
I've had many people—men suffering in silence and partners who are worried—reach out and tell me how much it has helped. I am certain that your openness and vulnerability here will do the same for others.
(I'm not in the habit of sharing links to my writing in people's comments, but doing so here in case new parents come across your post and it might help. Let me know if you'd rather not have it here and I'll take it away.)
Kevin, thank you for sharing this! It’s beautifully told and I’m so proud of you for speaking out. I also love that West Wing scene! Thank you for reminding me about it.
Katie, you have always taken the courageous path. You have opened your heart and allowed yourself to be vulnerable to friends, family, coworkers and strangers, writing openly and honestly about your experiences and losses. I am not surprised that you would once again, challenge your comfort level and share your experiences of late. You are helping women who have experienced Postpartum psychosis feel understood, less alone and educating those who don’t know enough about it. You are brave beyond words, if anything, I 'edge closer' to you, as your honesty is a breath of fresh air. You are a true definition of a Warrior Woman and I respect you immensely.♥️
Thank you for sharing this. Mental health, specifically experiences revolving around bipolar and psychosis, are so inaccessible to so many who have never gone through them. Coming from someone who has a mother who has suffered from both of those things, I commend you for the strength and grace it takes to talk about living through them. You are strong.
Oh my sweet baby girl, the struggle is real. I so admire your bravery and tenacity.
And if you've never heard this before or even if you have it never hurts to hear it often- You are resilient! xo