"I found out that we were having a baby the day before everything was shut down. The moment we waited for, would suddenly be changed drastically. I would miss my grandfather’s funeral, my husband would miss all the rest of my doctor’s appointments, and I became isolated at home. I knew what postpartum depression looked like because I had it after the birth of my first child (Although, I didn’t know that it was happening then until months later). This time, it started while I was still pregnant. I didn’t want pictures of myself, I didn’t want to celebrate, I just wanted it to be the end of the pregnancy. But even then, with a pandemic still at a high, there were many scary unknowns that lay ahead. I thought the depression would go away after the birth of my son, but unfortunately the actual birth was the only hour of joy I had. I constantly wondered why I wanted another child, and how I could ever think that it couldn’t be much harder than what I was already doing. But I struggled, like a fight to catch my breath every day for weeks after he was born. I kept telling myself that this too shall pass, and I just had to push through.

I finally reached a breaking point when my world felt like everything was continuously crashing down upon me and I couldn’t get up. I reached out for help. I signed up for anything and everything that ReBlossom offered in hopes that something would stick. I was first connected with my theraparent. We met (safely) at a park, took a walk around, and just chatted. It was so nice! I don’t have many friends, and just having someone to talk to was a huge relief. She occasionally checked in on me, and still does to this day. At a time when you aren’t sure if anyone out there cares, having someone let you know that they are a listening ear and that they get it, can be a life changer on it’s own.

And then came therapy. I’ve never taken therapy a day in my life. I feel like older generations have frowned upon it, and because of that it is something I felt embarrassed or ashamed of. I was nervous, but my theraparent said I would enjoy it and I trusted her. After my first therapy session, I felt a huge relief! A few more sessions later and I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. My stress related health symptoms began to disappear, I felt a purpose, and I was happy again. I took the opportunity, and I ran with it. And I’m so thankful that I did! I would have never been able to be at this point of my life without the financial help of ReBlossom as well. It can be a little scary asking for help, and sometimes we live in denial, but when we accept what is happening and lean on a shoulder of someone who can help then our destiny starts a fresh line and in the right direction."