For me, navigating the challenges of working motherhood is infinitely more manageable with the help of medication. I’m not referring to substances that induce euphoria; rather, I mean the kind that helps maintain my mental well-being. Thanks to Zoloft, I find myself to be a more patient mother, devoted partner, and effective employee.
Throughout my life, anxiety has been a constant companion. As a teenager, I remember my parents suggesting an anxiety medication to help me cope. At that time, I dismissed their advice. However, college opened my eyes to the reality that many of my peers were grappling with similar feelings of anxiety.
As I transitioned into adulthood, my anxiety fluctuated, so it was no surprise that after welcoming my first daughter at 29, postpartum anxiety crept in. It caught me off guard. Unlike the typical postpartum depression or anxiety described in hospital pamphlets, I never experienced the “baby blues.” Motherhood felt like a gift, and caring for my little one was surprisingly effortless. She was a dream, and those early months, though tiring, were manageable.
However, as I returned to work, postpartum anxiety struck hard. I found myself in tears nearly every night during my last weeks of maternity leave. Back at work, I was a mental wreck. Baby brain clouded my thoughts, and I felt out of place everywhere but at home with my husband and newborn. Even social outings became draining, as I was consumed with guilt over every moment spent away from my daughter. When she fell ill, it felt like the end of the world—spoiler alert: babies get sick often.
Around her first birthday, my anxiety peaked. My husband and I had planned a special trip for just the two of us when our daughter turned 13 months. But when she caught a stomach bug just before the trip, I adamantly refused to go. We argued for days, and I completely lost it. The thought of leaving her for a few days felt unbearable. Ultimately, I went on the trip, and it turned out fine, but the anxiety lingered.
By the time my daughter was 18 months old, I began to feel more like myself again and finally recognized that my incessant worry and guilt were signs of postpartum anxiety. It was common, but I realized it could have been addressed sooner.
Fast forward six months: I was pregnant again, this time with a high-risk pregnancy that was emotionally taxing. I promised myself that I wouldn’t allow the same chaos to ensue. At around eight weeks postpartum with my second daughter, I began taking a low dose of Zoloft. I’m grateful I did; it has made a world of difference in my life.
Since then, I’ve experienced far fewer moments of anxiety or feelings of being “not myself.” When my second daughter was nearing her first birthday, I attempted to stop taking Zoloft but quickly regretted it. My work performance suffered, and I noticed I was more irritable and stressed over trivial matters. My husband wisely advised me, “If it makes you feel better, then it’s worth it.”
I may not relish the idea of taking a pill daily, but I understand its significance in helping me be a more loving mother, supportive spouse, and less frazzled coworker. At this stage in my life, it’s essential to maintain my sense of normalcy.
Motherhood is a demanding journey, especially when balancing a full-time job and career aspirations. Add the role of a nurturing wife into the mix, and it can easily lead to burnout—anxiety or not.
So, my advice? Don’t wait until things spiral out of control. Learn from my experience: if you need help, don’t hesitate to seek it. Everyone deserves the right to a happy, somewhat sane existence—even working moms.
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Summary
This piece discusses the author’s journey with anxiety as a working mother and how medication like Zoloft has helped her manage her mental health. It highlights the importance of seeking help and not waiting until anxiety overwhelms you, emphasizing that everyone deserves a balanced and fulfilling life.
Keyphrase: Anxiety medication for working moms
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