As a working mother, I’ve discovered that medication plays a crucial role in my daily life. I’m not referring to substances that alter your state of mind; rather, I’m talking about the kind that helps maintain my sanity. For me, Zoloft has made me a more effective mom, partner, and employee.
I’ve always been prone to anxiety. In my teenage years, my parents suggested I consider medication to alleviate my worries, but I dismissed their advice. It wasn’t until I entered college that I realized many of my peers were grappling with similar feelings of anxiety.
As I transitioned into adulthood, my anxiety levels fluctuated. So, it was no surprise when I experienced postpartum anxiety after giving birth to my first daughter at 29. However, this anxiety surprised me; it wasn’t the typical postpartum depression or anxiety described in pamphlets. I didn’t experience the “baby blues.” Motherhood, in fact, felt like a blessing, and caring for my newborn was more manageable than expected. She was an easy baby, and the initial months, while tiring, were delightful.
The real challenge began when I had to return to work. That’s when postpartum anxiety hit me hard. I found myself crying at night during my last weeks of maternity leave, and when I finally returned to my job, I felt emotionally overwhelmed. I experienced “baby brain” and felt disconnected from everyone except my husband and our baby. Social outings became exhausting, and I was gripped with guilt for every moment away from my daughter, especially when she fell ill—a frequent occurrence with infants.
As my daughter approached her first birthday, my anxiety peaked. We had planned a special trip for just the two of us, but when our daughter caught a stomach bug, I adamantly refused to go. My husband and I argued for days. Ultimately, I went on the trip, and it turned out fine, yet anxiety lingered.
It wasn’t until my daughter was 18 months old that I began to regain my sense of self. I finally recognized that my worries and guilt were symptoms of postpartum anxiety—something common that could have been managed better.
When I became pregnant with my second daughter about six months later, a pregnancy filled with emotional challenges, I promised myself I would seek help. At around eight weeks postpartum, I started a low dose of Zoloft, and I’m grateful I did. Since then, I’ve experienced fewer moments of despair and disconnection.
When my second daughter neared her first birthday, I attempted to stop taking Zoloft but quickly regretted it. My work performance deteriorated; I became irritable and less inclined to assist colleagues. My husband reminded me, “Why take the risk? If it makes you feel better, it’s worth it.”
While I don’t relish the thought of relying on medication daily, I appreciate how it transforms me into a more patient mother, a more loving partner, and a less stressed coworker. At this stage in my life, it seems essential to maintain my mental balance.
Motherhood is no easy feat. Balancing a full-time job while nurturing a career can easily lead to stress overload. Combine that with the responsibilities of being a supportive partner, and the potential for burnout is high—whether you have anxiety or not.
So, my advice? Don’t wait for things to become unmanageable. Learn from my experience: if you need assistance, don’t hesitate to seek it out. Everyone deserves a fulfilling, relatively stable life—even working moms. For more insights on fertility and family planning, check out this artificial insemination kit and learn more about pregnancy resources at March of Dimes, which is an excellent resource for expecting parents.
Summary
This article discusses the importance of anxiety medication for working mothers, highlighting the author’s personal journey with postpartum anxiety and how Zoloft has significantly improved her mental well-being. The narrative emphasizes the importance of seeking help and prioritizing mental health in the demanding role of motherhood.