For me, navigating the challenges of working motherhood is significantly easier with the aid of medication. I’m not referring to substances that alter reality, but rather those that help maintain my mental well-being. My experience with Zoloft has transformed my roles as a mother, spouse, and employee.
Anxiety has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a teenager, I recall my parents recommending that I consider medication to alleviate some of my anxiety. At the time, I dismissed their advice. However, my college years revealed that my peers were grappling with similar feelings of anxiety.
As I transitioned into adulthood, my anxiety fluctuated, and it was no surprise when I experienced postpartum anxiety after the birth of my first daughter at 29. Strangely, it wasn’t the typical postpartum depression or anxiety described in hospital pamphlets. I didn’t experience the “baby blues.” In fact, motherhood felt like a blessing, and caring for my newborn was surprisingly manageable. She was a wonderful baby, and the initial months, although tiring, were relatively smooth.
The real challenge began when I had to return to work. Postpartum anxiety hit me unexpectedly, overwhelming my emotional state. During the last two weeks of maternity leave, I found myself crying nightly. When I eventually returned to work, I felt like an emotional wreck, struggling to fit in outside of my home environment. Even socializing with friends became a daunting task, as I constantly battled feelings of guilt whenever I wasn’t with my daughter.
The situation escalated around my daughter’s first birthday. We had a special trip planned for just my husband and me, but when our daughter fell ill, I panicked and insisted that we cancel. After days of fighting, I reluctantly went on the trip, but the anxiety lingered. It wasn’t until my daughter was about 18 months old that I recognized my anxiety for what it was: postpartum anxiety that, while common, could have been managed more effectively.
When I became pregnant with my second daughter six months later—a pregnancy that was both high-risk and emotionally taxing—I promised myself that I would take proactive steps for my mental health. By eight weeks postpartum, I started a low dose of Zoloft, which has profoundly improved my well-being. Since then, I have enjoyed fewer episodes of anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed.
When my second daughter was nearing a year old, I attempted to discontinue Zoloft, but I quickly realized it was a mistake. My work performance suffered; I became irritable and found myself stressed over trivial matters. My husband wisely advised, “Why take the risk? If it helps you feel better, then it’s worth it.”
While I wish I didn’t need to take a daily pill, I acknowledge that it enhances my patience as a mother, strengthens my relationship with my husband, and reduces stress in my professional life. At this stage, medication is essential for maintaining my sense of normalcy.
Being a mother is undoubtedly challenging, and juggling a full-time job while nurturing a family can lead to overwhelming stress. Thus, I encourage others not to wait until they reach a breaking point. If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help. Everyone deserves to live a fulfilling, (relatively) sane life—even busy working moms.
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Summary
Managing anxiety as a working mother can be significantly aided by medication. A personal experience highlights how medication like Zoloft can transform one’s life, enhancing roles as a parent and employee. Seeking help when needed is crucial for achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.