By JEN WIGHT
My book, Day Six, describes the mind bending horror of postpartum psychosis and then the searing emotional pain of severe post natal depression (PND). Serious stuff indeed.
But do you know what one of the most common things people have said to me about the book is, ‘I wasn’t expecting to laugh. Is it OK that I found some of it funny?’
The answer? Most definitely yes.
John Cleese talks about how humour is often overlooked or even taboo in some circumstances because the topic being discussed is considered too ‘serious’.
But I think humour is the best, and sometimes the only, way we can cope with the difficulties that life throws our way – from irksome to life shattering. It helps shine a light into the gloom and helps us bond with those around us who want to help. It has certainly helped me recover.
But this is one of the many reasons depression can be so hard to fight your way through. When I was ill my funny bone was well and truly broken. My life felt like a grey, joyless, painful experience to endure day by day. The very things that I needed to get myself better; my self-belief, my ability to look forward to a better possible future and my ability to laugh, were not working.
But using a variety of techniques (I pretty much tried everything anyone suggested) including therapy, exercise, healthy diet, plenty of sleep, support of friends and family, medication and yoga, I managed to survive that dreadful time. Laughter, fun and joy returned to my life.
Top Comments
Thanks Jackie and Catherine. I'm so glad you liked my post and hope you like the book too. And yes Catherine some women were put in psych wards and sadly still are if a M&B unit isn't available.
Thanks so much for the article going to try and get your book. I completely understand I suffered post natal psychosis following the birth of twins I went completely crazy for a time. Even at the time I said this is the worst and best time of my life. The birth of my beautiful twin girls much wanted after five rounds of Ivf what should be such a happy time but then about day six everything spiralled out if control, hallucinations, delusional thinking, highly emotional but not thoughts of suicide I didn't reject my babies either just did some strange things i had extreme anxiety. I did see the humour in it at times and i suspect that made me appear more crazy!!!I wouldn't go thru it again if I was paid but am grateful for the experience I did eventually come out the other side. I am better for it. I know a lot of those around me at the time probably didn't believe I would ever recover. A stay in a private baby unit medication, time and therapy I recovered. I was weaned off medication about a year later and was recommended Buddhism for mothers by my psychiatrist. Life is better that it has ever been I try to have firm boundaries, sleep, and am mindefull not to over do it. I think a lot of it is hormonal as I have never felt good with pms etc... Have learnt to manage it just hope I can manage menopause. Apparently some women used to be put in psych wards in the olden days.