Thoughts on Self.

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This season of life has been HARD.

Most of you close to me know I’ve been struggling with severe depression + anxiety. Not to mention the swelling in my knee is worse than before surgery (which was operated on in Nov 2016). These three things combined, along with life itself, has created a constant cloud above my head – which never seems to fade, only darken.

Ry and I were laying in bed the other night, and he said to me “Babe, what happened to that go-getter I married?! The one thing I loved about you, is you fought for what you wanted in life, whether it be a new job, business, or child – and I feel like that fight is gone.”

His words have never rang more true, and they were just what I needed.

The past few months I’ve been sick. Mentally ill from stress compounded from the past year.

I’ve wanted to give into our financial pressure from finishing the house. Wanted to sell things that bring us so much joy… just so I didn’t have to feel this way anymore. I’ve hated myself, and resented my children. I’ve cried, asked God why, and felt worthless too many times to count. Mom guilt has been hitting HARD, and the internet sure doesn’t help.

So I stayed off, quiet for a while. I still posted on Instagram and Facebook… but was hiding the real feelings of my soul. Putting into words what I’ve been feeling has been too painful, or too confusing at times, so I’ve tried ignoring it.

However, it wasn’t until I asked for help, that things started to change.

A month ago I was given a stronger dose of depression meds from our family practitioner… and can I just say it takes balls to take a pill to “make you happy”?!

I hate it,

but it’s the only thing making me sane.

So here’s a shout out for all those Mama’s who fight for natural remedies, and stick it out during colds – but crumble in the face of mental illness. Of chemical imbalances, and neurotransmitters not working correctly.

It’s not YOU, its your body. Don’t ignore it.

Anxiety sweeps in, and like a rollercoaster I go from the peak of my day, to rock bottom in a matter of minutes. Thoughts start rushing through my brain like the Great Flood, taking my sanity and reasoning with it. Panic sets in, or sheer nervousness, and boom I need to lay down.

Sleeping for hours on end, never wanting to get out of bed. This was not me, this was anxieties evil twin – depression. No motivation for anything, lack of love for all you hold dear, and constant feelings of living behind a screen door. A socked in fog that doesn’t go away, and holds your emotions captive.

This is not normal.

But I wasn’t “sad”. I didn’t have any thoughts of suicide, or giving up completely. Everything just felt HARDER. More heavy than it should be. Making decisions was like breaking an arm, and I couldn’t bear the pressure. So I slept, and hoped time would pass – and like a storm this would all be over. A new day would always dawn, but along with it a feeling of hopelessness.

Friends, this is me… being real.

Me feeling like if I have the courage to share my story, maybe I can help another. Maybe I can even save a life. Talk to anyone you know, I’ve always been a happy-go-lucky woman & mother… until depression came along and swept me off my feet.

Thankfully I have a warrior tribe, people who love me and have courage to tell me I’m not myself. Individuals who I’ve spent hours upon hours talking with about frustrations, feelings, or faulty actions. Ryan was the first to say something, he knew I wasn’t myself… and that was the single step I needed to call the clinic for help.

After a month of being on medicine, going to an acupuncturist, getting my Mirena removed, adding Vitamin D, kelp, biotin, and sometimes Vitamin B12 to my diet – I’m happy to say I’m finally starting to get my groove back.

** A special note for those of you on the Mirena, who suffer from depression. Not going to completely blame the Mirena for my ill feelings… HOWEVER, I started feeling depression after Isla’s birth, and have struggled ever since. Not to mention the steady weight gain (or inability to lose) that slowly compounded.

The mirena is the ONLY thing that’s been a constant in those years besides having small children… and after talking with my closest friends – and Ryan, we made the decision to have it removed.

BEST DECISION You guys!!

I was told it didn’t affect my hormones (although it releases Synthetic Progesterone), and really probably was the last thing that could worsen depression. I fought against the wishes of my highly regarded (and personally loved) midwife/obgyn – and had it removed.

It’s been two weeks, and this is the best I’ve EVER felt in a longgg time. Don’t let birth control off the hook if you aren’t feeling yourself friends.

And for those of you who want to know if we’re going to have another babe, the answer is a big fat NO… with a smile.

We went on a little shopping spree for other methods of preventing pregnancy, and felt like high-schoolers all over again… hah! 🙂

In light of this personal article filled with redemption from the darkness, depression is a SERIOUS condition. Please seek medical help, or talk to a friend if you think you may be struggling. Google “self depression screening” and take that stupid little quiz. It may change your life.

I saw this quote today, and it gave me the courage to share my story… so I hope it inspires you, wherever you may be. Sending all the love. xo – Chels