I just wanted to say...

[alexsmommy]

Every time a mental health thread comes up here, I am so happy to see "normal" women sharing their experiences. For so long it was considered a shameful secret and women suffered in silence. I wish more women had the courage to share their experiences openly. I cannot tell you how many referrals come to me because someone shared their experience with a friend and the friend goes, "Wait - I have that same issue... you mean I don't have to feel like this and that no one will think I am crazy for getting help?"

So, thank you. For everyone who responds to these posts, there are clearly countless others who read/lurk who may find themselves nodding and decide to pursue help. We are stronger, better mothers if we get the help and support we ALL need to get through this crazy world.

[lizajane]

here here!!! three cheers!!!

your post is exactly WHY i am so open about my history. i think a lot of people just don't KNOW that they have a mental health problem that has real solutions. so many people were raised to think that you are responsible for your own feelings no matter what and you have to "just shape up and get it together."

lucky for me, my family firmly believes in medication when necessary and therapy. thank goodness because someone special to me had a very serious issue and did not come from this kind of family.

oh- and my BFF and i see the same psychatrist and the same therapist! we even just both switched OB/GYN practices from the one where we went together to another one where we both go now because we didn't feel like our concerns were being addressed.

[npace19147]

It has taken me a while to get to the point of being able to talk about it freely. For a long time I did feel like there was a stigma attached - there still is to some people. But it is also a situation where once you start talking about it you are amazed at who else is also in therapy/on meds.

[MamaKath]

I was saying this to my dh last week! I am so thankful to all those who share their experience strength and hope in so many different capacities here. I am always hopeful that in my quest for guidance, it will also help another.

[salsah]

yes! thank you for bringing it up.

[Melaine]

ITA....until I was diagnosed with GAD....I had NO clue how many people suffer from such conditions. I am open with people about the meds and my symptoms, because I am pretty open about most everything. I often have a moment of doubt ("should I have said that? are they thinking I am weird now?") but most often people respond with relief, interest, or "it's not just me?" It's important to me that my friends understand me, which means I going to be honest about all my struggles.

[Sugar Magnolia]

I wish more Moms would talk about their feelings. I felt so alone for so long.