I experienced postpartum psychosis and postpartum depression after the births of both of my children in 2003 & 2006. Both times my PP was severe enough to require hospitalization. I had no prior history of mental illness, and in fact had worked as a psychiatric social worker in the past. I wish that I would have had a forum like this at the time, as I really needed the support, but could not find it anywhere.
However, if I had, then I might not have written my story.
Fortunately, I made a full recovery and have not experienced any further psychiatric symptoms since 2007. I was also able to find the positives, and feel that many aspects of my psychotic episodes were spiritually significant. Mine is a story of hope!
I have written a first person account, but with the added perspective of having education and experience in mental health. My book would be helpful for those who have shared similar experiences, and for their families and mental health professionals who want to understand these illnesses from an experiential perspective. I would not recommend my book to anyone who is acutely ill or feeling fragile, as there is detailed content of my experiences.
My self-published e-book is called: "When I Heard God Speak: A Memoir of Spiritual Awakening Through Mental Illness"
For more information, visit wheniheardgodspeakbook.com
I would love to know if my book helps anyone.
Thank you dd2013. I'm going to buy your book - it might be just what I need to better connect with someone who sounds like they went through something similar to me. Hopefully it might help to better explain it to my family too and give me guidance for if I ever decide to be brave enough to have another child x
Please see my reply below!