Chris Beer
Thank you! I knew that it was a problem that would continue to get worse, quickly, if I did not seek help. Even when I was feeling lower than low, I knew that it was possible to feel better again. I just needed to find the right path to feeling better. The Intensive Outpatient program at North Shore gave me access to excellent health care providers and taught me tools to handle stressors in everyday life.

Chris Beer
Finding support can be a tricky thing, as many do not see anxiety or depression as "real" ailments, as they are diseases that cannot be measured by a test. No matter what an individual's view on medication or therapy, know that your family and friends love you and want you to feel your best. Seeking help for mental health issues, whether through medication, talk therapy or a combination of the two, is a way for you to feel better.

Chris Beer
Yes! I was very anxious and tearful during the pregnancy. I did not address it with my doctor, as I felt shame about being sad during what should be such a blessed time.

Chris Beer
Great question. I don't like to say that I have "overcome" depression, as I feel that it is a constant work-in-progress to maintain a work-life balance, have regular checkups with my doctor, and focus on self care (such as rest and exercise). Things were at their worst in Winter 2013, and Winter is always a sensitive time of the year for me. I am reminded about how sad and hopeless I felt, but I am also reminded about how far I have come, and feel thankful to the team (family, friends and health care providers) who helped me get there.

Chris Beer
What helped was to take the time to do the Intensive Outpatient Program at North Shore. For almost 2 months, I went to the hospital for 7 hours a day, and focusing on my health became my new "job." It was scary to hit "pause" on work and family responsibilities but the end result was worth it.

Chris Beer
Don't judge a book by its cover. I hid my depression well, and appeared to be really high-functioning. Ask questions about how things are going, and don't be afraid to push a little for more details.

Chris Beer
Hey, you're sleep deprived, you're dealing with a newborn (and maybe other kids)...it's hard to tell if it's "normal" weepiness/anxiety/anger or something deeper. Be honest with your partner, your friends and your health care providers about how you are feeling. This can help create a "baseline" for your emotional state, and serve as an indicator of the need for additional help.

Chris Beer
I can only imagine how tough it would be to be strong and calm when you see your spouse in so much distress. It can also feel frustrating when she won't just "snap out of it". My husband was incredibly supportive and helped me make the call to the hospital's MOMS line, which helped us craft a plan for my treatment. He also did more than his fair share of the childcare responsibilities during that time, as the emotional nature of intense therapy left me exhausted. Most of all, let her know that you love her, support her and want her to feel better.

Chris Beer
I was very weepy and anxious during my pregnancy. My feelings worsened after the birth of my second child, but I wasn't sure if my feelings were normal or something that needed treatment. After about 8 months, I found myself tearful during most days, and sleepless during most nights, and knew that I needed to seek help to feel better. I wanted to have a long, healthy life with my family.

Chris Beer
Decreased appetite/weight loss (which, I'm not going to lie, I thought was super!) and increased sensitivity to noise.

Chris Beer
Absolutely! I walked a TON the summer after I went through the Outpatient Program. I'd pile the kids into our double stroller and walk whenever I started to feel sadness or anxiety. Walking became a "moving meditation" and I still stop to focus on nature (blades of grass, leaves, water, etc) when my thoughts get overwhelming. Always stay active -- and know that you don't need money or a babysitter to put your kids in the stroller and take a brisk walk.

Chris Beer
How can it hurt you to call? It's free, it's confidential, and it could be a turning point in feeling better. It is scary to admit that you are not feeling well. For me, I felt a lot of shame... I had healthy kids, a loving husband, a great career, lots of "stuff"...how could someone like me feel sad? Depression doesn't discriminate. It can affect anyone. There is no shame in admitting that you need medication and/or talk therapy to feel better.