Apr
30
30
PPD & Suicide Inspired my Mom Support Site
Posted in Bits and Pieces, parenting
I’m a stay-at-home-mom to 3 1/2-year-old Ronin and 14-month-old Ellie. Mommyhood is such a difficult journey … draining and exhausting, but also incredibly rewarding, joyful, silly and fun. Moment to moment, the day goes up, the day goes down. For me, the down draining times are even more difficult because I have major depression and anxiety. And even though I’m treated, the risk of postpartum depression is still there. PPD can happen to anyone.Last year after having Ellie, I experienced a bout of PPD that threw me for a loop. Managing the jealousy of my very attached son and the constant needs of my baby girl was too much to bear. Even with all of my past experience and treatment for mental illness, I didn’t recognize the signs right away. It wasn’t until I was desperate, did I finally realize and ask my husband John for help via email. I just knew it would be easier to get it all out on “paper” and say exactly what I was feeling.
With John’s support, I talked to my doctor about my medication and supplements, getting more rest and exercise. But I also decided I needed something more, just for me. Something to focus on creatively and professionally to calm, entertain and distract my mind. Before having kids, I made jewelry as a hobby so it seemed the right direction. And my Etsy shop EllieAdorn was born, “my 3rd baby” grown from PPD. It really did help. In the process, it also became a wonderful online and in-person social outlet, which was a surprising added bonus.
I
also decided I needed a little break from Ronin. We enrolled him in a pre-school class at The Nest in Woodinville. Just one day a week for 2 hours, but a big deal to this shy attached child who spent very little time away from Mama. Ellie and I also joined Kindermusick. The combination of these two things was incredibly helpful to my mood and state of mind. The music class gave us girls a little community of babies and moms to enjoy, dancing, singing and sharing our weekly updates. Ronin’s time in school helped boost his confidence and reduced my anxiety as well.
also decided I needed a little break from Ronin. We enrolled him in a pre-school class at The Nest in Woodinville. Just one day a week for 2 hours, but a big deal to this shy attached child who spent very little time away from Mama. Ellie and I also joined Kindermusick. The combination of these two things was incredibly helpful to my mood and state of mind. The music class gave us girls a little community of babies and moms to enjoy, dancing, singing and sharing our weekly updates. Ronin’s time in school helped boost his confidence and reduced my anxiety as well.But my mental health soon got a big hit. On Christmas Day 2010, a longtime friend for over 20 years died by suicide. She was a mom, who suffered for many years with mental illness that remained undiagnosed and untreated. I had tried to help her in the past, as did many other friends and her family. But she lost her battle, and it hit those of us who love her very hard. A few days after her death, I wrote a note on my personal Facebook page titled “Suicide Should Not Be Hushed Up.” I got on my soapbox and people listened. This note, hammered out quickly in my grief struck a cord with many, and was passed around Facebook to friends of friends of friends. People I didn’t know were asking to share the link and commenting on the note. And I was inspired.
I started my blo
g “My 3rd Baby: EllieAdorn” in January 2011 inspired by my own experiences with mental illness and in honor of my dear friend Dina lost too soon. I had never blogged, but I wanted to learn so I could create a safe haven for moms (and dads) to share their personal stories, get support and encouragement from others and not feel so alone. My site includes my own stories, but also guest posts from other parents dealing with often taboo topics like PPD, mental illness and suicide, as well as infertility, adoption, prematurity, miscarriage and baby loss, and challenging parenting choices & issues. You’ll also find relevant news, events, and a few reviews and giveaways from mom-owned or family-friendly businesses (because who doesn’t love a good giveaway!)
g “My 3rd Baby: EllieAdorn” in January 2011 inspired by my own experiences with mental illness and in honor of my dear friend Dina lost too soon. I had never blogged, but I wanted to learn so I could create a safe haven for moms (and dads) to share their personal stories, get support and encouragement from others and not feel so alone. My site includes my own stories, but also guest posts from other parents dealing with often taboo topics like PPD, mental illness and suicide, as well as infertility, adoption, prematurity, miscarriage and baby loss, and challenging parenting choices & issues. You’ll also find relevant news, events, and a few reviews and giveaways from mom-owned or family-friendly businesses (because who doesn’t love a good giveaway!) I hope you have a chance to stop by the blog, read a few posts and leave your thoughts. If you have a story to share, I’m always open to guest posts from other moms and dads. Feel free to email cristi@ellieadorn.com. If our stories can help a mom going through PPD ask for help, encourage a dad to seek treatment, or save just one life, I’ve fulfilled my mission.
You are not alone.
Cristi Comes, Mom from Bothell, WA
My 3rd Baby: EllieAdorn
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