This past week we introduced our new featured charity, Postpartum Progress and we are so happy to join them in creating awareness for PPD while raising needed funds with our Simply Happy Brand Giving Tees. Honestly, it has surprised us with the response we are receiving and it made us realized that postpartum and other maternal mental illnesses are more common then we ever had imagined. As mothers we all have a story. As much as we imagined our life with a new child while pregnant, it never goes exactly as we planned. We support all moms and know from experience, that it is not only the best job we will ever have but one of the most challenging & toughest.
As with any charity we have featured, we do our research and after learning about Postpartum Progress, their history & how much their nonprofit has helped so many around the world, we new we had to help too. We praise them for there amazing website filled with recourses, information and most importantly support. Their blog is the most widely read blog in the world on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. It has reached more than 2 million women this past year and each blog posted is written and shared from a mother who has gone down a similar road which gives other women seeking help, hope.
Sometimes all you need to begin your recovery is to know, you are not the only one who has felt these certain feelings. Our friend and founder of Mom2MomNJ, Sandy, described her experience with PPD. She explained that it wasn't until she finally shared her feelings with a friend that she was able to begin recovery.
"Everything came to a head one afternoon when a neighbor, a new friend at the time, stopped by to visit the baby. I didn’t know she was coming and in a fit of anger towards my son I threw the candy he was whining about into the garage. As I slammed the door and everyone around me was crying I heard the doorbell ring. I had never behaved this way and everything was beginning to feel out of control. I answered, flustered and upset and in that moment just knew, I had to open up to someone. I’m not sure what made me spill everything, but as we stood in my foyer I let it all out. Many tears and many hugs later I finally felt less alone."
Sandy went on to explain that it wasn't until after hearing her friend share her story and how they had similar feelings that she felt less alone. "It put things in perspective for me. It not only made me feel less alone, but it helped me make sense of the feelings I was so confused about. I didn't understand why I was so sad and mad, but it now made sense to me which helped me start to feel better."
Now, years later after recovering, Sandy has shared that taking time for herself is what keeps her going. "Whether it be working out, going to dinner with friends or simply going into the other room to read a book, I try and make some time for me whenever it works for my family. I'm lucky enough to have a very supportive husband who helps with this! "
Many people may find Sandy's story a little surprising because most know her as Mom2MomNJ, a mom reference site that helps us NJ moms connect with places, family information and gives moms a place to ask questions about motherhood. However, if you take notice of her posts, especially on her instagram you will view the honesty of motherhood and the sometimes failed attempts of getting it "perfect".
In a time were social media is how we share our "edited" highlights of life, it is good to have an honest place were we share our darkest of times like the Postpartum Progress blog, so we can let others know that life isn't always perfect. If we find the courage, as Sandy did, to let go of the stigma and guilt to share her experience, we can help many Warrior Moms out their find the light in the mist of darkness. We ask that if you are reading this now and are wondering if your feelings are normal, please head over to www.postpartumprogress.com and check out their site. You can read about other moms who have PPD and It will also give you references to seek medical help from a professional in your area.
As always, we asked Sandy what was her last Simply Happy Moment and she happily described it. "The other night all four of us decided to play Trouble. It was close to bed time and the game was lasting VERY long! I looked over at my husband, who is a stickler for bed time, and he just smiled at me and kept on playing. The little inside jokes and funny moments during the game were the cutest! It was a small moment, but one that made my heart smile, knowing that this simple game could turn into a lasting memory for all of us! "
We continue to live out our mission at Simply Happy Brand, to create happiness through motivating, inspiring and giving to others in need. We are more then aware not everyday will be rainbows & butterflies but what we do know is that every day there is at least one thing to be happy for, whether is it just getting out of bed in the morning, taking a breathe or seeing your child smile. We hope you find that one thing to be happy for and continue to fight each day for more!
xoxo
Erica & Angela
"Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome." -Unknown
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