postpartum depression, mental healthDear new mom:

You wear the armor, the bandage, even though you feel raw and weak and exposed. It’s there. The wall is up so that you can take a breath, so you can feel safe when others are around and even when they are not.

And you might not even know if this is really you. Time will give you clues until it hits you and you realize the truth. The pieces fit together, the revelation. You can’t always see it when you’re in the midst of it. And that’s okay. It’s up ahead. And it will be all right.

You hope others will extend the grace, because you can not help it. But this is me telling you that it’s okay to talk about it. The sooner you say the words the sooner you will see their eyes shimmer with relief. Your words reveal. They are not alone. You are not alone.

Even if you speak it into your pillow. Let it out. We will hear.

~ Stephanie

Stephanie Precourt, mom of four, is a writer, blogger, and the producer/director of ListenToYourMotherNWIndiana. Follow her on Twitter @babysteph.

The 4th Annual Mother’s Day Rally for Moms’ Mental Health is presented by Postpartum Progress, a national nonprofit 501c3 that raises awareness & advocates for more and better services for women who have postpartum depression and all other mental illnesses related to pregnancy and childbirth. Please consider making a donation today, on Mother’s Day, to help us continue to spread the word and support the mental health of new mothers.