Breaking the stigma:Postpartum rage& mental health
What they think postpartum looks like: Soft snuggles, happy tears, newborn bubble bliss.
People saying, āEnjoy every moment!ā
People saying, āYouāll regret not soaking it in!ā
People not realizing that I, and many others, were hanging on by a thread in those early days.. Early weeks.. Early months.
People not realizing that I cried every night for weeks. Snapping at my poor fiancƩ, despising my pets, drowning in my frustration.
And I was too scared to say it out loud. I was too scared to admit how angry I was day in & day out.
I knew my limits. I knew when to walk away from situations. But I didnāt know how to stop being soā¦.angry.
No one told me that after birth, I might feel like a stranger in my own skin. That Iād love my baby, but still cry in the dark wondering if I was failing her. That Iād feel rage that came out of nowhere; over spilled milk, a partner breathing too loud, or justā¦ everything and nothing at the same time.
PPD doesnāt always look like sadness.
Sometimes itās silence.
Sometimes itās rage.
Sometimes itās justā¦ numb.
āDid you know:
ā¢PPD affects 1 in 7 new moms
ā¢PPR = postpartum RAGE is a form of PPD and itās valid
ā¢You can love your baby and still feel overwhelmed
ā¢It doesnāt mean youāre a bad mom
ā¢Youāre not alone. And you can get better.
Asking for help doesnāt make you weak.
Taking meds doesnāt make you unstable or unfit.
Putting a name to it doesnāt make it worse.
It makes you free, honest, and on the path to feeling better.
If youāre in that space, please hear me:
Youāre not broken.
Youāre not alone.
You deserve support, rest, healing.
This is me, breaking the stigma. So you can too. ā”
#postpartumdepression #postpartumrage #postpartum #breakthestigma #momsoflemon8
Postpartum mental health issues are often misunderstood. While images of soft snuggles and blissful moments are widely shared, many mothers experience intense feelings of anger, shame, and isolation. Postpartum Rage (PPR) is a lesser-discussed aspect of postpartum depression (PPD) that can leave many new moms feeling trapped in their struggles. Did you know that about 1 in 7 new moms experience PPD, and PPR is a valid form of this condition? It's crucial to recognize that one can love their newborn while simultaneously feeling overwhelmed. Many women report feelings of rage that can be triggered by seemingly minor eventsālike spilled milk or even just a loud breath from a partner. These feelings are real and valid. If you find yourself grappling with anger and frustration, know that reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Therapy, support groups, and medication can offer relief and make a significant difference in your mental health journey. Remember, you're not alone in thisāsupport is available. This conversation around postpartum experiences needs to continue to break the stigma and help mothers feel free to express their feelings without fear of judgment. Let's create a community of love, understanding, and healing. You deserve care, support, and the chance to heal. Becoming informed and sharing your experiences is a powerful step towards breaking the silence surrounding postpartum rage and mental health.
š„š„š„š„ Thank u so much for this. Iām currently going through it with my second born. Sheās 7 weeks now and this entire experience is 100% the opposite of how it was with my first born. I donāt know why I thought it would be the same. The rage came out of nowhere then followed by the guilt and that was the worst part while looking at my newborn asking myself if I made the right choice. I started relying on my village and started speaking out about how I was feeling and allowed my family to step in and help instead of trying to solve it all on my own. Everyday is a challenge but thank God everyday it gets a little bit better.