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Stigma associated with PPA/OCD/PPD???? How do you handle it?

BugLuvBugLuv
in Postpartum Depression

Ok - so is anyone still really embarrassed to talk about thier PPA/PPD/OCD?  I was recently diagnosed with PPA/PPOCD.  I have always mildly suffered with those things but it got WAY bad when my husband deployed and I was trying to do everything on my own.  I have only told my husband (obviously) and my Mom (IRL) about it bc I am too embarrassed to admit it to anyone else. 

(for some reason tonight I finally felt ok to ask this question but have been lurking here for MONTHS!)

My rational brain knows that it isn't my fault that I am dealing with this, but I can't get over the stigma of having been diagnosed with it.  My insurance sent my some readings about depression after I filled my prescription for Zoloft and I cried bc all of a sudden I felt like I was being 'judged' (which is part of the PPA I know...)

Anyone else?  Any tips in getting over this?  I feel like even just posting this here is huge, but I thought I would ask.

ETA:  I just realized that the girls I know IRL on here will now know about this if they read it (yeah, didn't think this post through...)  I don't want to delete this bc of that, but I am hoping if you are one of those people you will respect my desire to not talk about this IRL yet... thanks!  :)

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Re: Stigma associated with PPA/OCD/PPD???? How do you handle it?

  • Gina418Gina418 member

    I'm not embarassed to talk about my PPD, but I don't bring it up in everyday conversation. My close friends and family know the details, but other than that, it's nobody's business. I share with who I want to share with and talk about what I want to talk about. Don't be ashamed - I really think the stigma of PPD is dying out - there are so many woman who suffer from it that it's no longer a "disease to hide"

    Your post is one of the reasons I'm glad the Bump finally created this board - you'll see that there are a lot of us from all walks of life dealing with this. You don't have to announce it to the world - open up to who you want to open up to. Even if it's just your mom, dh and us, that's ok!

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  • Smudges*MomSmudges*Mom member

    First, I'm sorry that you are feeling like this. I, too, am a military wife with a deployed husband.  Being a new mom is hard--dealing with it all while your husband is away for an extended period of time makes it that much more difficult.  I hope that he is home again soon.

    I have always been open about my "issues".  I struggled with depression for nearly a decade before finally getting the right diagnosis (of ADD).  I have also dealt with infertility.  All of these things are topics that some (many) people are less willing to talk about.  Personally, if my experience helps just one person understand what they are going through, helps them to feel less alone or encourages someone to get the help that they need--I feel that my struggles have not been for naught.  I did not do anything wrong.  I have not done anything to be ashamed of.  I have medical conditions that when treated properly are not keeping me from living a full and happy life.

    But, that's me.  I am an open book.  I understand that most people are not like this.  I do urge you to talk to your closest friends and family so that they can be there to help and support you.  But otherwise, while I don't think you have anything to be ashamed of, don't feel badly about what you are dealing with and how you are dealing with it.

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  • AerochyckAerochyck

    It's tough because this is still something that a lot of people don't understand.  Heck I am on my second round of PPD and my DH still doesn't "get it".

    My attitude is that I am fairly open about it except if I know that being open with a person will only lead to more problems.  My MIL is a prime example.  To her PPD is just "stress".  It was confirmed after my first DC that my PPD is completely hormone related and since we know that MIL thinks anyone who takes THAT sort of medication is being ridiculous, we just don't tell her.

    Otherwise, I am completely open and honest about it.  I work with a lot of older gentlemen and with DC #2 I suffered from pregnancy depression as well.  Some of them knew about what I went through after DC #1 and so I was fairly honest about it even before she was born.  It led to some of them telling me their own stories about how they wish there was more support in their day as they are sure some of their wives suffered and also one gentleman realized that his daughter most likely had PPD (he had never heard of it).

    Each person has to do what is most comfortable for themselves.  

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  • kyfirewifekyfirewife member
    I get it.

    But I also think the more people with PPD (or other emotional issues) talk about it, the less stigma will be attached.

    Like PP though, I don't bring it up in casual conversation, and I'm hesitant to tell anyone at work. But I'm pretty open with my family, close friends, and have blogged about it on my blog & on FB.
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  • BugLuvBugLuv

    Thanks ladies - hopefully I will be able to get to the point where I feel comfortable sharing about it with friends.  Right now I just don't. 

    (Oh and I feel like I should clarify - DH is not military - he is former military but still deploys as a contractor for the military...)

    I appreciate all the kind words and advice.  As silly as it sounds it is a bit of a relief to even admit it on here! 

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  • *speedracer**speedracer* member

    i find that talking about it is helpful to me, but i'm selective about who i will talk to.  i joined a support group, and feel comfortable talking to people online or people IRL who have experienced depression or anxiety. i also blogged about it (anonymously).  it was a good way to journal how things improved over time.

    i feel like anyone who has never experienced feelings like this cannot possibly understand and i don't want to deal with their judgment.

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