We’re here to remind you that you’re not alone and give you some love, support and tools to help push you through the rough stuff. Even when you feel hopeless.

THE FACTS

RealStoriesButton copy copy.png

Did you know there are TWICE as many NEW CASES OF MOTHERS suffering from MATERNAL DEPRESSION each year than women diagnosed with BREAST CANCER? More outrageous facts below…

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

CommunitiesButton copy.png

The struggle is real and we’re attacking it head on, together. CONNECT, SHARE, EMPATHIZE and get advice from like-minded moms and experts who speak your language and understand your struggles.

REAL STORIES

SlipsButtoncopy.png

Here’s where we get REAL. Read stories of during-pregnancy and postpartum depression and anxiety shared by moms who UNDERSTAND that new mommy life isn’t always the way it looks on Instagram.

rosie-fraser-592594-unsplash.jpg

Share Your Story…

We need to get real about maternal mental health. Share and help us destroy the stigma and shame surrounding maternal mental health once and for all.

Mamas, if you’re suffering, you are not alone. In fact, you are in amazing company. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

REAL STORIES FROM REAL MOMS

STORIES
Sara's Story
Sara's Story
Kate's Story
Kate's Story
Yasmin's Story
Yasmin's Story
Kathryn's Story
Kathryn's Story
Kathleen's Story
Kathleen's Story
Tiffany's Story
Tiffany's Story
Brittney's Story
Brittney's Story
Alex's Story
Alex's Story
Barbra's Story
Barbra's Story
Kate's Story
Kate's Story

“Not only does she get real about what postpartum depression is like, but shows moms who are struggling that there is another side. With a topic that is often presented without hope, her narrative is not only important — but life-saving.” -Sarah Schuster, Mental Health Editor at The Mighty

FEATURED IN

“TRULY, ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT INSTAGRAM IS THIS ACCOUNT!”

This week’s story is shared by @mylifewithppd - When I got pregnant with my second, I was shocked and extremely nervous. My first was only 7-months old and was/still is a huge mama’s boy. I felt SO much guilt. I didn’t think I’d be able to spread my love between both of my babies. Fast forward to around 32 weeks pregnant. I was running after a toddler and my husband was working a lot. He’s a fireman. I begun feeling overwhelmed, sad, and depressed. I’ve never felt depressed a day in my life. Anxiety, yes, because I absolutely had undiagnosed postpartum anxiety with my first. I began to resent myself for getting pregnant so quickly and the baby growing inside of me. This is when I KNEW something was wrong. I have always wanted to be a mother, so I knew this wasn’t right. I delivered a healthy baby in May. I was discharged two days later and that’s when it started. Sleep deprivation almost killed me. I began having suicidal thoughts. I almost left my family in the middle of the night. I knew where I’d go too. I’d jump off the closest bridge. I couldn’t stop crying. I hated being alone with my kids. If my husband was just taking a shower, I’d wish for him to hurry up. I had overwhelming anxiety, intrusive thoughts and OCD started to kick in. I called my OBs office, one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I said to the receptionist through tears, “I think I have postpartum depression.” She forwarded my call to the nurse who asked if I was suicidal. Too embarrassed to admit I was, I said no, but I did say I wanted to run away. She told me I “just had the baby blues,” and that was that. I cried so hard because I knew I needed help, but I wasn’t getting it. I called a week later and said, “Please help me. I need to see my doctor.” I saw him the next day and he asked me a bunch of questions. I was diagnosed with postpartum depression and borderline psychosis. I was placed on medication and started therapy. I’m four months postpartum now and a work in progress. Thank god for my husband. He’s saving my life without knowing it. If anyone feels like this please know you’re not alone. Advocate for yourself because the mental health industry is broken.
Why should this have to be the dirty secret of motherhood? Why should moms have to pretend everything is wonderful for the good of everyone else or because most likely they will be judged for saying or feeling something unpopular like, "I miss my old life," or "I think I might need medication," or "I really don't want to be a mother today." We shouldn't have to bear this burden of holding together the emotional status quo for everyone else...
It's always a good idea to do a self-check in. How are you feeling today? Drop us one of these hearts and let us know! (credit @blessingmanifesting)
There is nothing more powerful and nothing as big a relief of knowing that you're not alone. When I had postpartum depression six years ago, I literally thought I was the ONLY mom on the planet suffering. Obviously, that is so far from the truth, but it wasn't until I sat in my therapist’s office that first day and she told me about the thousands of moms who had come through her door and sat on that couch before me, that I learned it wasn't just me. And since that moment, I've met and grown close with some of the most amazing women all from hearing these powerful words that made me feel seen, heard, and understood. Some of these women I've never met in person because we met here, over Instagram. Some, I've only met in person in the last year. And it feels like we have known each other our whole lives. This is the upside of social media. This is the part of social media that gives us connection when we struggle to find it in person. It's the part that shows us there are thousands of others out there going through what we are going through and it's what I hope all of you get to experience by being part of this community. When I started MOTHERHOOD UNDERSTOOD, I really wanted to give women the connection, community and the feeling of being understood that I didn't have when I became a mom for the first time. And what's awesome about MU is that we are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thank you to everyone in this supportive community because you continue to make me feel understood on a daily basis.