“Omg she takes crazy pills”
“Well you know she’s medicated right?”
“She’s unstable….” ????
This feels incredibly hard to share because I already know what some of you are thinking (see above comments)
Eight months after having Brooklyn I started experiencing severe panic attacks and intrusive thoughts that got so intense I could barely leave my bed let alone take care of my babies.
My doctor suggested anti-anxiety medication but I was resistant. I’d bought into the whole “Meditation over Medication” philosophy and I was nervous about just becoming numb.
I tried all my tools – therapy, exercise, meditation, gratitudes, nourishing foods, no coffee or alcohol, acupuncture etc. etc.
Nothing was working and I felt like a massive failure.
It got worse and worse and for the first time ever I could understand how life might be so painful it would be better not to live. I told my Mom and Scott that I gave them the reigns to decide what I needed. I was scared and exhausted.
Girls, the medication saved me and this experience changed my perception of modern day medicine completely.
Sometimes in life we need BOTH the medication AND the meditation.
Sometimes we can’t access the benefits of all those tools mentioned above without a little extra support.
The reason I’m sharing this today isn’t to promote anti-depressants or pills (that’s something for you to chat about with your dr) but it is to remind you that if you need to take something it does not make you weak or crazy.
Medication is a tool some of us will lean on in moments of our life like people with diabetes require insulin and people with a broken bone require a cast.
We are in a very stressful period of time and I know a lot of people are struggling with anxiety and depression. You are not alone. Please ask for help and most importantly know that your struggle can also be your greatest strength.
You have nothing to be ashamed of and I, for one, see just how strong you are ????
Let’s work together to end the stigma around mental health so that it is ok for every person to get the help they need in whatever way they need it.
xo – Erin
