Depression. It’s not something that gets talked about a lot. Denial. Shame. Guilt. All those things come up when I talk to women about taking depression meds. It doesn’t define you or me. It doesn’t mean we’ve lost the battle with depression. It means we want to improve our lives! That we will not let depression, in any form, be it stress or trauma related or postpartum, win. Period.
I recently shared about taking depression meds in an Instagram story and post. I’ve got no shame in this game called life. Because it’s not a game, it’s a gift. I use exercise as my #1 method of medicine, but I know in my heart that since my son was six months old, this little white pill I take has kept the PPD fog lifted, my heart happier and less bad days have come my way.
You’re never alone in this struggle. Whether you’re a Mom or Dad, or simply an everyday person doing life the best you can. Not all days are perfect. Not everyone is happy all the time. Some days, we just don’t feel right. If you have days like that and you can’t shake them. If you have thoughts about hurting yourself or others, reach out. To a friend you trust. To a family member who won’t judge you or make you feel worse than you already do. To your doctor. A therapist. To me. I’ll do anything I can to help you find a great resource near you.
Depression and anxiety suck. Sometimes you don’t even realize how much it’s impacting your life until you find a way to help yourself feel better. And sometimes, you don’t want to admit to the things in your life that are causing it and how you may need to make some changes. Why? Because making change in our lives, big or small, is tough.
You’re worth this life! We are worth it!
Xo, Tiff
Depression Resources & Organizations
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264)
Anxiety and Depression Association of America: 1-240-485-1001
National Institute of Mental Health: 1-866-615-6464
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Division of Mental Health, 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
American Psychological Association: 1-800-374-2721