
I called my doctor the other day – I needed an updated referral to ensure I could continue seeing my psychiatrist. It was fitting that I needed a new referral, as I was seeing my psychiatrist to discuss the beginning of a new era: the weaning-off-my-meds-era.
After ‘The’ appointment had been made with my psych, I sat and reflected on how much I’d changed in the 14 months since my daughter’s birth.
I thought about my newfound patience, resilience, compassion, obsession with the TV show Pawn Stars; and it was just as I was considering how steep of a learning curve I’d navigated, that I came to a somewhat startling realisation: I was thankful for my mental illness. I might not be completely rid of my demons, and I certainly still have bad days, but I’m mentally stronger and more balanced than I’ve ever been in my life.
Frankly, I prefer the new me, and the new me wouldn’t be here without PND.
Here are my top five reasons I’m thankful I was diagnosed with postnatal depression.
PERSPECTIVE.
I put on 18 kilos with my daughter, but I was already the heaviest I’d ever been before she was even conceived.
Needless to say, I was a loooonnnggg way off fitting into ANYTHING in my wardrobe after she was born. Difficult to worry about pants not making it up past my thighs though, when I was slamming doors so hard, bits of paint were chipping off the frames and fluttering, like snowflakes, to the floor.
For the first time in my life, my mental state was more of a priority than my physical appearance. I. Just. Didn’t. Care.
And to be honest with you, despite the mess my mind was in, it was liberating.

Perspective. image supplied
NEW-FOUND APPRECIATION FOR FAMILY.
Before I started my meds, I was angry. I had a rage in me that I had to fight to control (see slamming doors in point above).
I was just so mad at the world. But as soon as my meds kicked in and provided me with the chemical stability my brain had clearly been craving, I realised just how much I needed my mum. And dad. And sister. And brothers.
My appreciation for them knew no bounds. My mornings, once fraught with tears and boredom, I filled with visits to my parents’ house, whereupon I was immediately relieved of baby carrying duties and force-fed homegrown figs.
I honestly do not know where I would be without my parents, siblings, and those bloody amazing figs.
SELF-CARE.
My depression helped me understand that I can’t take care of another human if I’m not taking care of myself.
I eventually learnt that cleaning the house + feeds + cooking dinner + grocery shopping + play dates + laundry + no rest/sleep = meltdown in the middle of Target when I can’t find the bandanna bibs.