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Mom Reveals What Postpartum Depression Really Looks Like

It’s not a secret that social media creates unrealistic standards and expectations for everyone, new mothers included. One day Kathy DiVincenzo, a young mom of two, grew tired of seeing picture perfect moms on Facebook and, together with her friend and photographer Danielle Fantis, decided to show another, not as beautiful, but extremely possible side of motherhood.

Kathy suffers from postpartum depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. DiVincenzo knew she wasn’t alone in battling this condition, so she shared her story on Facebook to help spread awareness on postpartum depression.

Kathy and Danielle worked together on a photo shoot to show women what living with postpartum depression looks like. Striking images show how different days with postpartum depression can be – one moment you’re happy and full of confidence and the next you feel helpless and without the strength to leave your bed.

Kathy’s inspirational post, that you can see below, was shared over 70k times and its strong message was heard by (and hopefully helped) many. “Let’s show others that they don’t have to suffer in silence.”

More info: Kathy’s Facebook | Photographer’s Facebook

Mom Reveals What Postpartum Depression Really Looks Like

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In 2014, Vaiva finished her university studies and was proudly presented with a Communication degree. Since then, she has gained experience in journalism, creative writing, and public relations. Vaiva has been working for Bored Panda since 2016 and has extensive knowledge of Internet lore. She loves cats, tattoos, listening to BTS, and sleeping.

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Renee P 7 years ago

Thank you, Kathy. Your words really hit home for me. I was only able to get through my own ppd by reading essays & testimonials of other struggling mamas. God bless you, ladies. For some, it is so hard to be a mama sometimes.

15points

Ironcat_xox 7 years ago

We thank you moms, for being there for your kids even when the days are sometimes too tough.

9points

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Rhon 7 years ago

I work at PANDSI in Canberra Australia. PANDSI stands for Post and AnteNatal Depression Support and Information. I have the privilege to be able to cuddle, feed, rock to sleep, change the nappies of and play with the babies of mums who come in for help. the mums come in for group sessions with other young mums going through the same thing. They learn from talking about things and listening to each other and the support workers, they also form great friendships. Please don't suffer in silence! One thing that every new mum needs, no matter in control she seems, is help.

10points

Echo 7 years ago

Is this a free social program in your country?

1point

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Melissa Hebbard 7 years ago

My post natal depression lasted close to 3 years. During that time I could usually cope when I was in company, but isolated at home on the farm in an area that we had only recently moved to without close friends or any family I really struggled. I blamed my feelings of anger and my attacks of rage to my personality thinking that not only was I the world's most incompetent Mum, unable to easily breastfeed, to just being a horrible personality. After all, why could I feel such little love and often anger and irritability towards my own children? I had a feeling like a churning volcano of bile lodged deep in my chest. It was only when I acknowledged my problems that it went away. The feelings and the volcano left and I was happy, adored my children and sailed through life. Sometimes that volcano comes back if I am over stressed and over committed and then I know that I have to back off my commitments. Fortunately I never actually hit or hurt my babies.

8points

LtTawny Madison 6 years ago

I also had PPD and what you described is so accurate. My thoughts even included either harming my baby or something horrible happening to her. Counseling, medication and family support got me through but it lasted 2 years.

0points

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