In this episode, my friend Karyssa and I talk about what it was like for her to grow up in a broken home. As the oldest, she had to take care of all her younger siblings because her dad was a drug addict and her mom struggled with some things, as well. We talk about how she fostered her youngest brother, during the midst of her postpartum depression from baby #2.*

Karyssa’s mom got pregnant with her while she was in High School. Karyssa does not know her birth father. When Karyssa was two, her mom got together with the guy she calls dad. Unfortunately, he is a drug addict. She said they moved a lot, in fact, she said she went to three different 5th grades. Once Karyssa was in 7th grade, they moved and stayed in this place. She was able to graduate High School and get an Associates degree there. She moved away shortly after that.

After she moved, her family really struggled. Her siblings were in and out of trouble, as well as her parents. When her youngest brother was 14, he was basically taken from the parents and needed somewhere to go. Karyssa was right in the middle of her postpartum depression, but didn’t want him to be separated from family, so she agreed to take him for 6 months until their other sister could take him (she was in another state, so there was a lot of extra paperwork involved to take him out of state).

We talk about how hard it was for her to have postpartum depression and the things people would say to her about it. Karyssa shares what she did to help her get feeling better. Things like see a psychiatrist, getting a foot zone and doing some energy work.

Listen to the full episode to hear all the details.

*Please note: this is the guest’s story. Their story is how they perceive it. It is not my judgement or responsibility to determine whether or not this story and the things said are true. Please be open minded when listening to/reading these stories.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:
-As a parent, do not compare one child to another.
-When someone is going through any kind of depression (or really just anyone in general!), be careful what you say to them. They may already be feeling bad enough and something “harmless” could really push them over the edge.
-If you are struggling with postpartum (or anything else mentally), reach out for help! Here are some hotlines you can call.
-Speak up for yourself. If you’re not feeling like you, seek help. If someone is playing it off like it’s no big deal, speak up. Only you know how you’re feeling. Don’t let someone else tell you how you are feeling.

LINKS TO THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
–Instant Family
-Karyssa’s favorite books: Harry Potter
-Karyssa’s favorite product: Daily White Whitening Foam Toothpaste (contact her to get some)
-Karyssa’s song recommendation: 80s rock! Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard (listen on the Hard Knocks guest playlist on Spotify)
-One thing Karyssa takes with her everywhere: Burt’s Bees lip balm
-My ending song recommendation: Something I Said by SafetySuit (listen on the Hard Knocks playlist on Spotify)
–Karyssa’s Instagram

“I never lose. Either I win or I learn.”

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