Delivered: My Postpartum Battle

Wow. They say time flies—and now I truly believe it.
I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that it’s been two full years since I successfully weaned off my postpartum medications. Honestly, even writing those words feels surreal. I’ve written, re-written, edited, and re-edited this post more times than I can count, hoping to find the right words to honor this milestone.

As of July 13, 2025, I’ve been unmedicated for two years.
What a blessing. What a relief. What a journey.

Let me be very clear: medication has it’s time and place—and for me, it was absolutely necessary. I wouldn’t have made it through my recovery without it. But through the guidance of my psychiatrist, we knew when the time was right to begin the process of tapering off. If you feel you might be in a mentally healthy place, I encourage you to talk openly with your mental health provider. Healing takes partnership. Self-advocacy is essential!!

So why am I sharing this?
Why am I still talking about it—four years after the start of my struggle?

Because we still don’t talk about it enough.
Because our society continues to lack the understanding, grace, and education needed to truly support postpartum mothers, their families, and their support systems. Because silence breeds shame—and I refuse to let that be the legacy of postpartum depression.

If you’re in a dark place, hear me:
There is still hope. There is still healing. There is still a future—even if all you can see right now is the pit you’re in.

Let this be your reminder:
It’s okay not to be okay.
It’s okay to feel lost.
It’s okay to admit that you’re struggling.
And it’s absolutely okay to ask for help.

We can’t always do it alone. Sometimes, even when it’s uncomfortable or scary, we have to reach out. I know that if I hadn’t continually sought support, my path to healing could’ve taken so much longer.

Now, two years later, my passion to raise awareness about Postpartum Depression is stronger than ever. We must keep these conversations going. We must keep normalizing this deeply personal—and incredibly common—struggle.

To everyone who has walked alongside me during this journey: thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Let’s continue to shine a light where others only see darkness.

Here’s to more real conversations, more recognition of a serious issue that affects so many women, more podcast episodes!!

The best is yet to come,

Athena

xx

Don’t forget to check out my show, Delivered: Finding Victory After Postpartum Depression.