Jessica's Beautiful Testimony on Postpartum Depression

It's Thankful Thursday!
Today we are thankful that we got to be apart of Jessica's journey with baby Everett! We love you Jessica! Read her beautiful testimony below:

"A few days after I brought my son home from the hospital I started feeling down. Every day it kept on getting worse until it got to the point of being depressed almost all day everyday. I always thought that when I had my first baby I would bring him home and life would just be great. I was upset that I felt this way and was not just happy. I just had a baby I had been dreaming of for years, why did I not feel happy? I realized after talking with my mom that I was possibly dealing with postpartum depression. She encouraged me to call Dr. Leveno’s office and talk to them. I called them right before they closed and they were able to get me in first thing in the morning. Everyone at the office was so sweet and kind towards me. They really made me feel comfortable and I did not feel judged at all. Dr Leveno was so attentive and took time out of his busy schedule to sit down and listen. We discussed different options and I left the office feeling hope. I felt hope knowing that what I was dealing with was common. It has been 6 weeks since I had my son and I feel like I am my happy self again. I no longer feel depressed. Dr. Leveno’s office has been so amazing with helping me on my journey of becoming a new mom and helping me overcome my postpartum depression." - Jessica Reynolds

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so as we come to a close here remember postpartum depression is a very serious topic. Majority of women experience this condition but a majority of women do no reach out and get help. Postpartum can be mistaken as a case of new baby blues but the symptoms will be more severe and last longer. If treatment is never received then it can get even worse. Here are a few symptoms to look for:
• Depressed mood or severe mood swings
• Excessive crying
• Difficulty bonding with your baby
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
• Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
• Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
• Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Intense irritability and anger
• Fear that you're not a good mother
• Hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
• Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
• Restlessness
• Severe anxiety and panic attacks
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide