hey everyone! My name is Kristy and I am 33 years old. I just wanted to start out by providing HOPE to all of the people suffering in the depths of post Partum depression. My son is now 6 and I had an overwhelming and terrible bout of PPD beginning the moment he was born. I can honestly say it was the hardest thing I have ever endured. However, I DID GET BETTER!!!!! What felt like forever in the throes of it, it wasn't long after I got the right treatment, when I started to experience relief and then with that relief I was able to experience the joys of being a mom, that I believed were false at one time. I am here for any new moms, 2nd time moms, or even if it's your 8th child, I can share my experience and my recovery. I have helped hundreds of women by just existing today without PPD. One major phrase of wisdom I can share is this..."I love working with women who are struggling with PPD. Mainly because they ALL get better".... This came from my therapist's mouth during those lonely nights of swearing to myself that I was a terrible person, having a child may have been a mistake, not recognizing my son, wondering why it wasn't "love at first sight" like it is for so many others, questioning my sanity, wondering if my negative thoughts were reality, even to considering ending it all. So, yes, I didn't believe my therapist and I thought I was doomed to be alone and stuck in that feeling FOREVER! However, I'm here now. 6 years later, and doing very well. I am strong enough to be on this virtual support world for support from others for my personal struggle at this present moment on how to decide to leave or stay my workaholic, functioning alcoholic husband. Ugh. That being said, I stumbled upon this particular support group for POD, and just couldn't scroll over it without offering some support. Please, ask me anything! Tell me anything!! My experience was severe, landed me in a behavioral hospital, aka psych ward, which I believe isn't the place for this particular situation unless you are in a state of psychosis. That's a different form of post natal illness, in which the new parent most of the time doesn't recognize because he/she may not be in touch with reality. What I am trying to say is, even at your darkest hour. Even at your worst, if u are even online reaching out for support, you are aware of your own reality, and that my fellow sufferers is NOT psychosis. If I can help anyone recognize that it is OKAY to have PPD, and that it will indeed GO AWAY, I am to give that to you. I'm here for anyone that needs to vent. Anyone that feels so tired that cannot sleep. Anyone that is scared of tomorrow. Anyone who is scared to bathe their baby. Anyone who is scared to even tell anyone about their suffering in fear of being less then. I am here. Don't hesitate to reach out. This is a major topic for me because I have so much passion for new parents. Always remember my words....you will be OKAY, and trust me. Here I am 6 years later, sitting across the room from my Amazing son, watching him build cool structures on mine craft on Xbox. Lol so feel free to reach out....and don't be ashamed. It helps me to help others:)