TMC welcomes Alexis, author of the blog Depressions and Confessions. I actually found Alexis through TMC and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to have “met” her. She is a courageous blogger, discussing many topics that some are to afraid to speak of and for that, I really admire her. Aside from rockin’ her new WordPress blog she is one hell of a supporter, too! I don’t think she has ever missed a post at Theta Mom and I couldn’t ask for a better bloggy friend. Here is how she describes her blog in her own words:
“Hey, I’m Alexis. I started blogging three years ago after my son was born, and at first it was mostly family stuff. But then I started noticing that the posts that got the most response were the ones about me. I know, I’m awesome, right? Anyway, what I mean is that people, women especially, were thrilled to hear that they weren’t the only ones who struggled at motherhood and sometimes forgot people’s birthdays and wore vomit as an accessory.
When I was diagnosed with postpartum depression when my first son was 8 months old, it changed my life forever. Not only did I begin treatment, but I also started speaking out about my experience and the support was overwhelming. But when I blogged about it, women came out of the woodwork saying that they wished they could tell their families, or friends, or coworkers, but they were too scared or embarrassed.
So I started a new blog, Depressions and Confessions. It was originally going to be all about the symptoms of and stigma surrounding depression, but three posts into it, I realized it was so…depressing. I couldn’t sustain that kind of blog, because I am not a depressing person. I just happen to have the disorder.
Now, my blog is about the most interesting thing in the entire world…me. Kidding. Kind of. I mostly write about things that bug me, things I wish I understood better, things that make me laugh, and things that other people are too scared to talk about. And in between all of that, I still talk about depression because it’s important.
My favorite part of blogging has been “meeting” amazing women like Heather. I recently was able to wean myself off of antidepressants, and I attribute the success of that to the salvation I receive from talking about my issues and realizing that I am NEVER alone. And neither are you. I hope to see you around my place, can’t wait to meet you!”
Be sure to check her out on the blog and follow her on Twitter!
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Thank you for sharing! I am so glad that you have this blog about one of the least talked about topics. We all suffer from it and we all try to hide it. It is great to know we are not alone. I created a site similar to provide a safe haven to lift your spirits when you are having one of those BAD days. I hope you enjoy it. I look forward to reading more of your posts. We moms have to stick together. It is a tough job raising children and having a support team on our side really helps.
.-= Shannon Henrici´s last blog ..Naturally inspired…. =-.
thank you shannon, it’s so true that having a solid support system goes a long way to make those bad days seem a little less sucky. that’s what i’ve found in the blogging community, so i thank god every day for the blessing it has been to me.
.-= alexis @ depressionsandconfessions´s last blog ..proud to be a theta mom =-.
This sounds like such an interesting blog, I’m off for a look. I’m always impressed by people who are so brave in their blogging and sharing their experiences.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Jade
.-= Jade @ No Longer 25´s last blog ..Time in the Garden: Making a Start =-.
Motherhood is so hard and I always appreciate finding a blog that is not afraid to say that. Of course we all know how rewarding it is and we as mothers always try to show that face especially around other people. Because that is what we are suppose to do… But it is usually alone that we tend to break down and struggle with the exhaustion, emotional stress, and physically demands of motherhood. I think the bloggy world really provides that outlet of support for moms. I know for me as a working mom it is so nice to meet other moms who go through the same struggles. It is nice to know you are not alone. It is nice to know is normal to feel overwhelmed at times.
Thanks Theta Mom for introducing this blogger.
.-= This Mama Works It!´s last blog ..5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Started Selling On Ebay: See What They Are On My Guest Post! =-.
Great choice for the featured blogger! I love Depressions and Confessions and Alexis is so fun to chat with on Twitter!
.-= LZ´s last blog ..Sucky is the new awesome =-.
Can’t wait to check out the site! Realizing that I was depressed this year was a tough thing to admit – so reading and supporting someone else that “understands ” is a must!
Congratulations on getting off the anti-depressants! I have personal knowledge of that…it’s tough to feel like you are “flying without a net”.
I love blogs that are honest about issues like this..this is the essence of the blogging experience for me.
.-= My Life as an Ungraceful, Unhinged, and Unwilling Draftee into the Autism Army´s last blog ..Day 3: Mr. Jason the Jugular =-.
thank you. it was crazy at first; i felt a little naked without the meds. and i feel so much more aware of what my feelings are doing, like i have to know exactly how i’m feeling every second of the day so i don’t slip back into the depression when i’m not paying attention. but so far, so good.
.-= alexis @ depressionsandconfessions´s last blog ..proud to be a theta mom =-.
This topic is so important–not just to share the pain, but to help encourage and uplift each other. Thanks for sharing.
As someone who was also dxed with PPD, I share in her thoughts that I was not depressed but I had a disorder that made me depressed. It was a rough time in my life. Thanks Theta Mom for sharing with us this awesome woman. Going to look now.
woohoo alexis!!! so psyched for you and you know i’m always a fan!
I already follow Alexis…i agree, she is a great blogger. Enjoy your day Alexis!!!
.-= gigi´s last blog ..Friday Flip-Offs, 6/25 Edition =-.
thanks gigi! xo
.-= alexis @ depressionsandconfessions´s last blog ..proud to be a theta mom =-.
Ahhh I love Alexis!! One of my fave blogs!
.-= Michelle @ Mommy Loves Stilettos´s last blog ..♥Friday, Finally. =-.
I’ll have to check her out. Thanks for pointing me toward such a great Blog.
Also, I’d like to invite you to read my post today. It relates to something you recently posted.
http://www.leighvslaundry.blogspot.com/2010/06-i-staged-preschool-intervention-part-3.html
love,
leigh
.-= Leigh´s last blog ..Freakshow Friday: Crankypants Edition =-.
Girl – thank you for this post. Tweeted it as well – you ROCK.
xoxo
I love the honesty of this post. I will definitely check her out – but thanks for putting something out there which is really not that easy to admit to . . .
Kiran
I admire women who can not only share topics that are deep and personal, but those who reach out and help others who might be experiencing the same thing. I can’t wait to hear more from Alexis. Thank you for another fantastic featured blog!
What an inspirational lady!
After suffering through PPD after both my daughters were born, it’s always refreshing to meet other moms who had “been there.” Thank you for speaking out for all of us!!
.-= 29 and Holding…´s last blog ..Bringing Sexy Back. =-.
i feel like i have a responsibility to do so. and it has been a wonderful and rewarding responsibility. thanks for reading!a
.-= alexis @ depressionsandconfessions´s last blog ..proud to be a theta mom =-.
yay! awesome blogger and lady! Appreciate the realness and her writing.
Thank you for sharing this!! I look forward to the featured TMC bloggers each week!!
.-= Ingenue Mom´s last blog ..Popeye Got Me In Trouble…Mommy’s Piggy Tales #3 =-.
Awesome girl! I have so much fun showcasing them each week, too!
I love discovering new blog reads! The ones you feature are always KILLER! Off to check out the FB! ♥
.-= Devan @ Accustomed Chaos´s last blog ..Follow Friday Guest Post: Letting Go of the Guilt =-.
What an amazing blogger to talk about such an important issue. Thanks for featuring her!
.-= Katherine´s last blog ..Lessons from Last Week =-.
We are always looking for others to connect with in common. Love your story & glad you’re doing better.
Yay for Alexis!!! I love her blog and her honesty! I am so excited that she is the featured blogger!! And her new vlogging skills are awesome too!
.-= Rachel {at} Mommy Needs a Vacation´s last blog ..Friday Favorites #2 =-.
I started blogging just a few months ago and like you, started out just writing about life as a Mom but then found the courage to talk about my own years of unhappiness and more and when I did so was totally astounded by the fact that the majority of fellow Moms out there have experienced unhappiness or depression at some time. So I am sure your writing about your own experiences has helped so many women to find the courage to talk about and seek help for their own.
that was probably the thing that surprised me most when i started blogging about depression, was that so many women had had experiences like mine but had never talked to anyone about it. i have been so grateful to hear other women’s stories. so, so grateful.
.-= alexis @ depressionsandconfessions´s last blog ..proud to be a theta mom =-.
Alexis sounds like a strong woman. Knowing that you are not alone in your experiences is comforting.
.-= The Practical Mom Guide´s last blog ..TPMG Goes to Prom 2010 =-.
What a great feature.
.-= MsBabyPlan´s last blog ..Patience is a Virtue… =-.
Of course had to go say hi to another Alexis! Love her blog following
.-= Alexis AKA MOM´s last blog ..Some Mild Frustration! =-.
I can totally understand where she is coming from. I was diagnosed with Post traumatic Stress disorder, after I was the only witness to a terrible violent crime and was also a victim afterward. Years of counseling have helped me, but you are never really quite the same again.
Love From A California Momma,
Angela
.-= Angela H´s last blog ..WILD, WACKY WEDNESDAY =-.
angela, that is so unimaginably awful. i’m glad you have been able to get help and traveled the road to at least a partial recovery. that road is definitely not easy, but it needs to be walked. thanks for reading!
.-= alexis @ depressionsandconfessions´s last blog ..proud to be a theta mom =-.
Theta,
This woman is awesome! Thanks for sharing her with us. I’m a person who has a “red x” on their back for PPD so I’m so interested to hear her feelings and her treatments. This is great! Thanks!
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Jumping on a blog trend- June 23, 2010 =-.
Thank you for introducing Alexis.
.-= Helen´s last blog ..Took the boys swimming =-.
So excited to go check out her blog!! This feature comes at such a good time for me. I was recently diagnosed with post partum and am in the process of trying to work through it. It is so wonderful to have other people that know what you are going through.
.-= Nikki´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesdays…..Sort of! =-.
I’m going to go meet her right now!
I had postpartum depression after my daughter was born and at the same time I was starting to seriously work on my issues from childhood sexual abuse. I love to meet another person who has faced difficulty and is thriving!
.-= Tracie´s last blog ..Hello Thursday, Where Did You Go? =-.
Hi Alexis! I think you are very brave for being so honest, making you fierce not to mention awesome! Congratulations! Another great pick Theta Mom!
.-= Your Mommy Friend Lori´s last blog ..Guest Blog Spot ~ Three is the Magic Number! =-.
thanks lori! i try to be as honest as possible, and hopefully people will still think it’s ok even when i write things they don’t agree with.
.-= alexis @ depressionsandconfessions´s last blog ..proud to be a theta mom =-.
Cool! Another amazing blogger to add to my reading list! Heather and
Alexis are both soo right. So many awesome Moms and bloggers on the Web. The power of “connection” is priceless. I can’t wait to dig into your blog more Alexis. I blog as a means of expression and supprt too. My main goal is to put funny (but true) parenting stories on my blog so other Moms can read and think “oh, thank GAWD it’s not just ME!”. Keep being a shining star, girlfriend!
.-= franticmommy´s last blog ..To Subscribe- Or Not Subscribe THAT is the Question =-.
What an honest and intriguing blog – thanks for sharing with us!
amber
.-= The Momma Stuff Blog´s last blog ..Memories 4- Age 7 – Grade 2 =-.