Can you help me return to the Church after postpartum depression?

[LucyT25]

I am a new mom. I had a baby about 10 months ago. I have had severe postpartum depression since the baby was born. I have not been myself. I have had periods of anger and rage. I isolated myself from my family and husband. I even left my brother’s wedding because of anxiety. I am doing much better. I am on medication and I am going to therapy. Things are looking up. It seems though that my husband and family still cannot forgive me. I feel very alone. I was raised Catholic, and haven’t been practicing the religion in a while. I feel myself being drawn back to the religion in the trying times in my life. In what ways can the church help me to recover from this and any advice on how I can get my family to forgive me?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

Your family needs to be educated regarding postpartum depression. You have done nothing that requires forgiveness. You might down load and print the information from this link and give it to them:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postpartum_depression

It sounds like you have taken the right steps toward recovery. Certainly, all the pain is worth it if it brings you back to the Lord. I suspect that you were not married in the Church. I suggest that you speak with a parish priest about your situation. You may write me privately by clicking on my name above—or call me during the day at : 619 387 7200. You are in our prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.