Depression

Open and honest alert. Depression, maternal depression, post partum depression is no joke and I've struggled with it for years (thankfully not to the point of wanting to harm myself or my kids). Learning to put on a happy face has become the norm but the mood swings, sadness, sobbing, lack of motivation, anxiety -- all for what seems like no reason -- is a constant battle and not many people understand it or know how to support. This quote hit home for me -- "No one brings you casseroles or holds your hand when your brain gets sick, or calls you a survivor when you come out on the other side. But I am also a mother who made harrowing decisions and fought desperately to take care of myself and my kids."