Updated: June 2, 2020
Originally Published: Aug. 14, 2018
Adele recently opened up about her best friend, Sarah Mitchell’s, journey through postpartum psychosis (PP). While many mothers struggle to voice their experiences with postpartum depression, even fewer feel comfortable discussing the severe condition of postpartum psychosis. Sarah, a talented writer, shared a candid account of her battle with this illness, which Adele proudly reposted, praising the piece as one of the most “witty, poignant, and articulate” reflections on the challenges of new motherhood and mental health.
In her powerful essay, Sarah disclosed that her baby recently turned six months old, marking a significant milestone in her recovery. Although she typically avoids sharing personal matters on social media, she felt compelled to write about her experience after realizing how essential it was to shed light on this topic.
Sarah candidly recounted the onset of her postpartum psychosis, detailing the accompanying feelings of shame and sorrow. “It’s not easy to admit that the worst time of your life was when your baby was born,” she stated. Remarkably, only 1 in 1,000 mothers experiences this condition, and Sarah herself was unaware of its existence until it nearly shattered her life. Her struggles stemmed from a combination of postpartum depression and overwhelming fatigue, which spiraled into a chaotic episode of mania, mood swings, insomnia, delusions, paranoia, and severe depression.
Despite a smooth pregnancy, Sarah was blindsided by the challenges that followed her difficult labor and emergency cesarean. After her son was born, doctors revealed he was underweight due to placental issues, a factor believed to have contributed to her mental health crisis.
As Sarah navigated the early days of motherhood, she was overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety and terror. “I just remember thinking, what have I done?” she expressed. Although she sensed something was wrong, she initially dismissed her feelings as a normal part of motherhood, influenced by friends who encouraged her to indulge in self-care like watching Netflix or ordering takeout.
However, Sarah soon realized she was facing something much more serious. “I was suicidal,” she admitted, struggling with the weight of her emotions. Her family moved in to support her, but she found it hard to comprehend their presence. Severe anxiety attacks led her to believe she was failing as a mother, and she even accused her partner of trying to take their baby away. An intervention eventually led to her hospitalization for two weeks, where she faced the reality of her condition.
During her stay, Sarah’s husband brought their son to visit. It was through these visits that she slowly began to reclaim her sense of self. With the help of her family, a compassionate psychiatrist, medication, and therapy, Sarah found herself on the path to recovery. She humorously noted that her struggles couldn’t be solved by simple remedies like yoga or art classes—what she experienced was far beyond typical self-care advice.
She emphasized that she was not merely “struggling” with motherhood; she had fallen ill. Now in recovery, Sarah acknowledges that she may face the residual effects of her experience for the rest of her life. After briefly stopping her medication, she felt anxiety returning with the onset of her menstrual cycle, prompting her to seek help once again. “This is a journey without a definite end,” she reflected, accepting her reality.
Sarah expressed her gratitude to Adele for the unwavering support throughout her ordeal, reminding other women experiencing postpartum psychosis that seeking help is vital. “You don’t have to brave it alone. You don’t have to act like a hero; you already are one.”
For further insights into pregnancy and mental health, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy from the NICHD, or explore fertility supplements at Make A Mom. If you’re considering home insemination, BabyMaker at Home Insemination Kit offers valuable information to guide you through the process.
In summary, Sarah’s story highlights the importance of sharing experiences related to postpartum psychosis and the necessity of seeking help. With the right support and resources, recovery is possible, and it is vital for women to know they are not alone in their struggles.
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