For me, navigating the challenges of working motherhood became significantly easier once I began taking medication for anxiety. And I’m not referring to substances that induce a high; rather, I mean the kind that helps me maintain my sanity and balance.
Being on Zoloft has transformed me into a better mother, partner, and employee. Anxiety has always been a part of my life. As a teenager, I remember my parents recommending anxiety medication to help me cope, which I dismissed at the time. However, as I entered college, I quickly discovered that many of my peers experienced similar levels of anxiety.
As I transitioned into adulthood, my anxiety fluctuated but persisted. So, it wasn’t surprising when I experienced postpartum anxiety after welcoming my first daughter at 29. This anxiety, however, didn’t manifest in the typical ways described in hospital pamphlets. I didn’t suffer from the “baby blues”; in fact, becoming a mother felt incredibly rewarding, and caring for my newborn was surprisingly manageable.
Things took a turn when it was time to return to work. That’s when postpartum anxiety overwhelmed me. I found myself crying each night during my last weeks of maternity leave. Upon returning to work, I felt emotionally drained and disconnected, with overwhelming guilt every moment I wasn’t with my baby. Simple outings with friends felt like monumental tasks, and when my daughter fell ill, it felt like the end of the world — and babies get sick often.
Around my daughter’s first birthday, my anxiety reached a breaking point. We had planned a special getaway for just my husband and me, but when our daughter caught a stomach bug, I panicked and refused to go. We had several heated discussions, and I was unable to think clearly about leaving her for even a couple of days. Ultimately, I did go on the trip, and everything turned out fine, but my anxiety lingered.
It wasn’t until my daughter was around 18 months that I started to recognize that my feelings of guilt and panic were rooted in postpartum anxiety. This realization prompted me to seek help during my second pregnancy, which was both high-risk and emotionally challenging.
About eight weeks after giving birth to my second daughter, I began a low dose of Zoloft, which has been a game-changer for my mental state. Since starting medication, I’ve experienced far fewer moments of helplessness or feelings of being “not myself.” I once attempted to wean off Zoloft as my second daughter approached her first birthday, but quickly regretted it. I noticed a decline in my work performance, increased irritability, and an inability to manage stress effectively.
My husband encouraged me to reconsider, saying, “If it helps you feel better, why not continue?” While I don’t love the idea of relying on medication daily, I recognize its role in making me a more patient mother, a caring partner, and a calmer colleague. Understanding this necessity has been crucial for maintaining my mental health during the demanding phases of motherhood and career growth.
The journey of motherhood is undeniably challenging. Balancing a full-time job with being a supportive partner can lead to overwhelming stress, with or without anxiety. So, if you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help. Everyone deserves to lead a fulfilling and, hopefully, more balanced life — especially working moms.
If you’re interested in exploring options for fertility support, be sure to check out this post on at-home insemination kits, a valuable resource for those considering their paths to motherhood. Additionally, for comprehensive information on pregnancy and related topics, visit Kindbody’s blog, which provides excellent insights.
In summary, my experience with anxiety medication has been pivotal in managing the pressures of working motherhood. Seeking help was a significant step that allowed me to embrace my roles more fully and enjoy the beautiful chaos of family life.
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