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Jennifer's Story

"After having the baby, the postpartum period was even more challenging... the turning point was when I reached out for help."

The story

The following story has mentions of post-partum anxiety and depression. If you or someone you know is in danger, is going through an emergency, or needs immediate attention, get help now. More mental health resources can be found here.

I am a second-generation, Taiwanese-American woman based in San Francisco working in corporate impact communications. I'm married and mom to a 17-month-old baby girl.

I struggled with infertility, so I decided to do In vitro fertilization. During the pandemic, I underwent 9 procedures. I had two miscarriages back to back, and going through it all was agonizing. I was consumed with the pursuit of having a baby, and loss after loss, I felt like a failure.

After having the baby, the postpartum period was even more challenging. For the first several months, I was in a dark place, crying daily and racked with worry over my new baby. I experienced insomnia and was constantly exhausted and upset.

During that difficult postpartum period, the turning point was when I reached out for help. I was diagnosed with postpartum depression and anxiety and got connected to services offered through my hospital: a therapist, a moms' support group, and a psychiatrist for medications.

I no longer felt alone. With this foundation of support, I was motivated to make positive changes. I turned to my faith and relied on God for help. Day by day, I started to see my mood improve.

Going through this experience has been transformative. I've learned how to cope with my anxiety. I am a completely different mom and person than before. I've learned to let go of the worries, and that enables me to not just survive but thrive.

Finding Support

Find resources to support yourself or someone you love.

Related Resources

  • Helpline

    PSI Helpline | Postpartum Support International (PSI)
    Did you know? 1 in 7 women and 1 in 10 dads suffer from postpartum depression. We provide direct peer support to families, train professionals, and provide a bridge to connect them. Call the PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773 OR text "Help" to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (español).

  • How-to article

    Helpful Tips for Riding out a Panic Attack
    This resource from Headspace provides techniques that can be used to stay calm when anxiety occurs.

  • Video Resources

    Release Stress and Anxious Thoughts Short Meditation
    Learn to be present with the feeling of stress and tension being released through this short meditation. Through science-backed meditation and mindfulness tools, Headspace helps you create life-changing habits to support your mental health and find a healthier, happier you. Unwind with guided meditation sessions to relax after a long day, learn how to build healthy boundaries with our meditation and mindfulness teachers, practice mindfulness exercises for everyday scenarios like commuting or cooking, and create the ideal conditions for restful sleep with our guided sleep meditations and sleep music.

  • Helpline

    Parent Stress Line | Parents Helping Parents
    The Parent Stress Line is for parents and guardians who are experiencing challenges relating to their children and parenthood. It's confidential and anonymous, and available 24/7. Trained volunteer counselors offer a way to relieve stress in an environment which is non-judgmental along with being sympathetic. We offer support to anyone seeking it no matter how big or small. We offer a translation service. Call 1-800-632-8188.