Welcome to the Love Where You Are podcast! 

In today’s episode I am joined with Julie Thomas.

Julie Thomas is a wife, mother of two, life coach and author. After the birth of her second son, Julie battled a severe case of postpartum depression. For years, emotions of anxiety, confusion and shame consumed her life, leading to isolation and suicidal thoughts. In her darkest hour, she felt God’s undeniable call to share her story with others. With the release of her novel, HOPE Inside Out, and her willingness to be open and transparent, Julie was able to find healing for herself and help others do the same.

In this episode, Somer and Julie get real about postpartum depression, the symptoms, the daily live experiences with it, and how to get help. Maybe you’re experiencing postpartum depression right now or know someone who is, this is an important conversation to have so we are equipped to handle this mental health issues which impacts so many women.

This episode is about loving where you are even in the midst of postpartum depression, facing those realities with the strength of Christ, and equipping us with the information to love new mommas better as they face this. 

Thank you for being here today. Now, let's dive into the conversation! 

You can connect with Julie through Facebook, Instagram, and her website.  

You can also order her new book! And watch her short film. 

 

FAVORITE TAKE-AWAYS:

 - 1 in 8 women will experience postpartum depression, and 9% will have PTSD from their birth experience. More information is known about it today and resources to help mothers. 

-Postpartum depression can look like you're lost in reality, not connected to time, feeling the loss of the child even if there was no loss. Julie couldn't recognize her own children at times. Confusion, fear, and anxiety levels are high, it is very disorienting. 

-The church tells us to rejoice in suffering and choose joy, be a happy perfect Christian. This message comes in complete conflict with the reality of postpartum depression and the daily struggles. It is easy to feel forsaken and abandoned by God. 

REMEMBER:

-Symptoms of Postpartum depression include loss of appetite, disinterest in usual things, self-isolation. 

-Find help. Counseling and community may lead to faster healing. There is no shame in needing help. You are not alone. 

-God is always present even if we don't come to Him. 

 

Connect with Somer! 

Stay connected to Somer and the Love Where You Are podcast through her Facebook & Instagram! Now, go love where you are and live on mission for Jesus today.