I don’t even know where to start.
That such a heart-rending experience as postpartum depression and anxiety can lead to appreciation for things previously overlooked, a brighter everyday world, empathy unknown until your cheeks were crusted with the salt of your tears; that alone would be enough.
But opening up about my experience has given me so much more than it has taken. In a world where I used to feel like the loneliest (and worst) mother ever to push a double stroller, now I can hardly get through a day without meeting someone else who has shared my experiences with PPD/PPA. It’s an instant bond; sisterhood formed when we were cowering in our foxholes, even if we didn’t realize others were there holding the line with us.
Writing and publishing Afterbirth was one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve done as a writer. Creating the follow up vlog Putting a face to postpartum depression was a close second.
But they’ve helped women. Women I know, women I don’t know. Women who are in a place to comment here, and women who aren’t ready just yet.
Today Afterbirth was chosen as one of the pieces honored as the 2012 BlogHer Voices of The Year.
I am beyond humbled and grateful (and, to be honest, ridiculously excited) to be featured alongside such amazing writers. My hope is that many more good things can come from this experience.
They say God works in mysterious ways. They would be right.
I am so happy for you that your piece was chosen. It is so powerful, and I know that the way you’ve dealt with PPD/PPA will help you to be a voice of hope for others.
Congratulations
(and not just for the VOTY but for being brave about your journey.)
Thank you, Angela. That means so much!
Angie, you have an abundance of courage, both in working through PPD/PPA and putting yourself out there to write about it. You have given hope to women who are suffering from these, not just hope for tomorrow, but for all of the tomorrows to come. Bless you.
Congratulations, Angie. A beautiful piece of writing rightfully honored.
Thank you, Cam. Thank you for this comment, and for your writing, and for all the work you and Angela and the rest do at Write on Edge that encourages and teaches the rest of us. I’m a better writer because of that group.
Congratulations on this honor! It takes courage to expose oneself…you are courageous, lady! A dear friend of mine was also chosen under Identity, Becky Smith, who shared, “Grateful For The Scars.” You are both amazing!