I’m not a very religious person, but I believe in God, and I believe in God putting people in my life at times I need them most.
Katherine Stone came into my life in the summer of 2011, and I’m forever grateful. We briefly got to meet each other at Blogher ’11, and I was happy to help her spread the word for her non-profit Postpartum Progress’ fundraising and awareness campaign- Strong Start Day- this time last year.
I never spent much time on her website PostpartumProgress.com prior to that because, well, I didn’t have postpartum depression. So why would I need to?
And yet, as I perused through the information and helpful blog posts before sharing on Strong Start Day last year, and read about the signs of postpartum anxiety, I saw it staring back at me.
My life. My struggles. My battle with irritability, anxiety, and horrific intrusive thoughts in the year after having my 2nd baby, finally in black and white with a name.
In the month that followed, I broke down and got help for my postpartum anxiety, and I’ve been working to get better ever since.
So today is the second year and second Strong Start Day that I’m telling you all about Postpartum Progress and all the AMAZING work Katherine does with it.
She gave me the resources to recognize I was dealing with something concrete, something real, something I could beat.
In turn, that gave me the power to share my struggles and journey with all of you. In the last year, I can’t count the number of emails, comments, and messages I’ve received from others who suddenly understood exactly what it was that was making their lives miserable. They finally saw postpartum anxiety in themselves, instead of just feeling like a failing mother.
And they got help, too.
All because of Postpartum Progress, Katherine and her mission to spread this message – that all families have the right to a strong start.
Katherine is raising money for Postpartum Progress so she can continue to inform mothers, and those who support mothers, of the signs and symptoms of postpartum mental disorders, and give them hope and help to overcome it.
Please consider donating to Postpartum Progress, big or small. She has made a world of difference in my life, and I know there are countless other mothers still out there who can be helped by her and the Postpartum Progress mission.
- 47Shares
12 comments
What an amazing post, and testament to the power of community and support. We, so many of us, have Katherine Stone in our lives–and are grateful for it. Thank you, Katherine, for all you do, and your tireless heart and soul.
It’s incredible to know Jill and watch her journey managing her postpartum anxiety. Thanks Katherine for all you do… I’m so lucky I had a chance to get to know you this summer. Please consider supporting Katherine’s hard work!
Beth Anne led me to Katharine and it was truly the BEST thing I did for myself. I knew something was wrong the NIGHT my daughter was born. It is truly horrifying and I’m so glad I got help. Katharine linked up a post I wrote and I had a woman tweet me and tell me they printed out my post, to take to their doctor. I felt like, if I even helped one person, then writing about PPOCD was worth it.
By writing this, you will help another woman, Jill. Well done.
I’m so glad you found help and that you were able to share your story, too.
[…] Jill Krause: Because She Helped Me See […]
This made me cry. I love you girl. I’m so glad to know you.
Thank you for writing this post. I am a teacher and a mom of 2. When my now 2 year old daughter was born I never felt anything but joy and love she was perfect and I couldn’t imagine life without her. 6 months ago my son was born two week later I started having anxiety and OCD harm thoughts something was wrong I knew I needed help. I went to a therapist and two months later wa feeling ready to return to work I was better no more intrusive thoughts I could breath. 3 weeks after returning to work it all fell apart I had a panic attack and became so fearful I was put in the hospital for 5 days. Everyday since I’ve been out of the hospital almost 3 months now I feel anxiety. I have been on and off medication none seem to work. Now I have pressure to return to work and I don’t know what I can do as a teacher it is difficult to feel fearful, anxious and edgy. I wish I could see the day that I Will get better i know it has to come because I know how it felt to be a happy working mother of 1 I look forward to the day where I can be a happy working mother of 2. Until then I struggle each day.
Alyssa, I’m so sorry to hear about your struggles. I hope you feel well soon.
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Because She Helped Me See This Was Something I Could Beat #PostpartumAnxiety
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