From Tracie: Let's Talk Mental Health

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Let's Talk Mental Health

It started when I was a kid.

Probably related to the sexual abuse that I survived.

After my daughter was born, I realized that there was a whole other side of it that I had not experienced. I quickly became acquainted with the postpartum version.

Today, I still struggle.

I fight against the darkness that threatens to overwhelm me.

Sometimes I sleep too much, not able to overcome the tiredness that seems to seep into my soul.

I eat too much, or not at all.

I struggle to put thoughts together, on days when even thinking seems too much, too hard, too impossible.

There is a sadness, that the word sad does not even begin in cover.

Despair. Melancholia. Despondency. Hopelessness. Depression.

My name is Tracie, and I am the face of 
Depression and Postpartum Depression 


May is Mental Health Month. Mental Illnesses are medical conditions - not a sign of weakness or something that a person can just "snap out of". Having a mental illness does not make you a bad person or a failure.

Everything is better with support! If you have a story to share, want to know you are not alone, or want more information, The Band is here to help

Mental Health Blog Party Badge


  1. Wow. Reading your journey brings tears to my eyes. You are an incredible person. Thanks so much for being brave enough to write this.

  2. You are fighting depression?
    oh, let me cheer you up...
    I got sunshine on a cloudy day...
    When it's cold outside I got the month of May...
    What can make me feel this way?
    My blogger girl friend....Tracie!!!
    I LOVE it when you update my friend!
    I'm sorry the clouds are covering your mental health..Sounds like you need a surprise package from me....
    Email me your address...I'll see what I can do.
    Cuz You are loved in this blogsphere...
    you are AWESOME!
    whats your fave candy bar?

  3. Thanks for participating in the blog party, for sharing your story, and for supporting and serving as an inspiration to others :)

  4. ohhh I need to participate in this.. seriously.. especially since it abounds in my family and can have genetic markers that can be hereditary

  5. It's definitely so much easier when you know others deal with this, too!

  6. Hugs to you my brave, sweet friend. Thanks for sharing your story.

  7. Hugs to you, and all that you are! You are so brave. You have helped give so many others a voice, they may have never found.

    I have a blog that has been completely opposite of the one I am doing. Because of you, I participated in Blog Carnival once. And this week, I have begun blending the blogs together.

    So, for the days when it feels rather cloudy, let me extend a hand to you, the way you did to me. xoxo

  8. thank you for sharing your story and linking up with the band!! I am glad to be getting to know you and appreciate your speaking your truth on behalf of those who dont have a voice yet. *HUG*

  9. As always Tracie your story shared helps so many. Thank you. Blessings.

  10. You do very well for someone dealing with depression like I do pretty well for someone dealing with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Wishing you well...

  11. Simple and honest - perfect. Keep on being strong.

  12. So honest.

    More of us have to come out and tell our work hard to remove the judgement and stigma with PPD, and PTSD.

    Nicely done, sweet lady.

  13. I think unless you have been there, and you have, there is no way you can understand why some days just deciding what to fix for dinner takes more than you have to offer. I wish I had seen this *assignment*. Depression is a subject that I know far too well!

    I love your honesty and openness! I'm convinced that it is the beginning of healing ... not just for you but for others who don't know (yet) that there IS hope and healing!