A mom has taken to TikTok to express her struggle with postpartum depression. The result led to many other moms sharing their own experiences with mental health.
The clip showcases a raw and emotional look at the realities of parenting with a mental illness.
The TikTok was originally shared June 2 by a mom who goes by the handle @ofakb__.
“Postpartum depression is real,” the mom says with tears in her eyes. “I didn’t know I had it, but I could use some friends.”
The clip went viral, with plenty of mamas posting love and support in the comment section.
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“You’re a strong, beautiful woman,” wrote one TikTok user. “Never forget that.”
While another said: “Know that it DOES get better!” another mom encouraged. “The hundred days of darkness are no joke. Keep putting one foot in front of the other.”
According to the Mayo Clinic “Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first — but the signs and symptoms are more intense and last longer, and may eventually interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may begin earlier ― during pregnancy ― or later — up to a year after birth.”
“If you’re feeling depressed after your baby’s birth, you may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit it. But if you experience any symptoms of postpartum baby blues or postpartum depression, call your doctor and schedule an appointment. If you have symptoms that suggest you may have postpartum psychosis, get help immediately,” the website states.
Risk factors include: 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.
“If at any point you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, immediately seek help from your partner or loved ones in taking care of your baby and call 911 or your local emergency assistance number to get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
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