We asked survivors of postpartum depression and anxiety to give us a six-word memoir or story of their experience. Postpartum Progress’ Six Things Six-Word PPD Memoir challenge was inspired by SMITH Magazine’s Six-Word Memoir project and bestselling book series, where thousands of people continue to write the short story of their lives, many of whom are featured in books.
Here are some our favorite six-word memoirs of postpartum depression and anxiety (give it a second to load – it’s kinda slow):
About Katherine Stone
Those all ring so true.
I love how you presented that. The combo of images and words is powerful.
When you first asked for this, I read through the list of comments over and over. They are so POWERFUL. Each one rang true with me. Somehow in 6 words so much was captured. Thank you for doing that, and for compiling these. The women I help that say “is rage a normal symptom?” “I feel like wasted space” “I just panic” – I can show them here that they are not alone!!
This.Is.AWESOME. So powerful. So poignant. So needed. THANK YOU for compiling this. I too remember being blown away by the power in all the comments/submissions for this.
Six words for ppd/anxiety…Praying for God to take me.
6 words: still terrified to wake up tomorrow.
I got two. is this cheating?
Don’t let your PPDemons fool you
and
You are your babe’s right mother
So tired, separate, frozen in pain
Yesterday I went from having my three children, my 7 week old, my husband, his brother, wife and baby as well, to just the baby and my boys. My husband works out of town and there hasn’t been any luck in finding a job around here that will pay as much as he makes on the road. My black cloud came and rained down on me for several hours when they all left. I tried cleaning, tried opening up all the blinds – could only turn so many light on before every light in the house was on…I took the kids to the park, but at 103 degrees, that faded real quick and then ended up at my mother’s house, crying to her. I read a few articles on here earlier…does the mood justify the cause? I think so; I feel blessed that we have a job; blessed that we have a beautiful house, but want my husband home with me every night – not just on occasional weekends; not living separate lives. If I ever get my wish, what then? I tried everything yesterday to fade my black to grey, but only time with mom helped – I hate feeling like that worse than anything else. I feel so desperate…feel so weak and needy…I used to get bouts of depression from time-to-time when I was single, before children, but since then everything has been great. It is only when he leaves now that I can hardly breathe and feel I have to blink back tears when I start dwelling on it too much. Ahhh! People, I know about “complaining of no shoes, when there are people with no feet,” but I cannot help this feeling that creeps within sometimes. Exercise is what I need!
Six word? When SIX pages wouldn’t be enough space?
Easy:
Wouldn’t wish this on my enemy.