To the Postpartum Depression Moms Suffering in Silence
BY KYLA ERLANDSON
I remember holding my son for the first time, looking at him and thinking how beautiful he was. He was perfect, and I think to myself, how can I not do this again? I felt on top of the world! I felt like I could give him the world and that nothing was going to get in the way. It was not long after delivery that a familiar feeling of dread started to slither it's way in. I tried to fight it, and tried to deny that it wasn't the same as it was the last time… it was. The loneliness and the helplessness was 100 times worse and it consumed me everyday. Thoughts of wanting to get into a car accident so that I could lay in a bed and sleep and not have to take care of anybody began to consume me. I had all the love and support I could've asked for, but inside nobody could fix how sad, anxious, lonely and broken I felt. I was stuck facing a dark tunnel of despair, guilt and fear; crawling my way through was long and tedious. Regaining my trust, my belief in myself, and figuring out who I am is something I'm still getting curious about uncovering. The biggest gift is that I've been able to share my journey through
PPD and that I have been able to give support to other women
in my life. This is an opportunity to empower and love each other.
I know that I'm not the only one, and I think it's time for us to
start sharing and reaching out so we can support one another. Something I can share from experience is that although those
of us who struggle with PPD feel alone, we are not; and I don’t ever want someone who’s been in my shoes to believe that they are.
To read more of Kyla’s full length article, check out the online edition of Interior Wellness Magazine at www.InteriorWellness.com Kyla Erlandson is an Executive Regional Vice President, Independent Consultant at Arbonne International. 250-319-1803 www.kylaerlandson.arbonne.com 10 www.InteriorWellness.com | Spring 2017