When I gave birth to my son, rather than the fairy tale experience of motherhood I had believed in, I found myself going on antidepressants for the first time ever, medication I continue to take today. At first back then, I was so ashamed. What would people think? I just became a mother and I needed medication to cope? What was wrong with me? Why couldn't I get out of bed? Why did I have paralyzing anxiety that prevented me from taking care of my baby and myself? Why was I suffering and miserable when I was supposed to be happy and in love with my new baby? I learned very quickly that I had postpartum depression, which was a real illness that needed professional treatment--in my case, medication and therapy. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ As I fought to get better, I came to realize that taking medication didn't make me weak. It made me strong. It still does. It means I am putting my health and well-being first, which is one of the best ways I can be a mom to my son. When I first started my meds all those years ago, I was fighting back--fighting back against the postpartum depression and anxiety that tried so hard to take me down--so I could live and be the mother I wanted to be for my son. I wasn't giving up. I was doing the exact opposite. Never be ashamed of taking care of your mental health. It matters. You matter. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you get a high fever and cough, you’d probably see your doctor without thinking. You’d follow your doctor’s instructions without question. If they told you that you had strep throat and prescribed medicine, you would take it. Your mental health is no different. So many moms still perceive having to take medication as a weakness and a declaration that they’ve failed at motherhood. I wake up every morning and take my antidepressants without shame. Fighting for my mental health makes me strong. I am fighting for myself and my son. And there is no shame in that! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’m nominating you to participate in @tryminded’s #ALittleHelpFromMyMeds hashtag challenge! For every IG or TikTok post that uses it, Minded will donate $10 to nonprofit @sadgirlsclub. And link in bio to share your story! #ALittleHelpFromMyMeds #trymindedpartnership