“You need to really see someone about your anxiety and depression.”
I was seeing my doctor for my yearly physical, and he was a new doctor for me. He was a man that resembled my grandfather – short and stout, but his tone was warm, like a hug. Dr. Ritter explained that it was very common, and didn’t make me feel like something was wrong with me.
It was the first time anyone had told me I needed to see someone for anxiety and depression. I just thought it was my personality. I was always told I was a worrywart, easily stressed, sensitive and moody. I threw up every time I got stressed out and sometimes ended up in the hospital because the stress froze my body. My depression was so bad that my oldest daughter often took care of her little sister because “Mommy didn’t feel good”.
“You need to really see someone about your anxiety and depression.”
What a relief! It wasn’t my character. I’m not a bad person. I just needed help. Cue Jodi Ashton, MFT. Jodi is a godsend! Like talking to a girlfriend, she made me feel comfortable with each appointment, I felt more confident in who I was as a woman, wife, and mother. Jodi taught me there was no shame in anxiety and/or depression. For the first time, I didn’t feel guilty or shameful that I have anxiety and depression. I was able to give myself some grace for not knowing and proud I was getting the help I so desperately needed.
“You need to really see someone about your anxiety and depression.”
Those words were more comforting than I expected. It meant I wasn’t a bad mom as I often felt. It meant I can be the woman I’ve always dreamed of being. It meant I can live a happy and full life.
If you feel like something is off, I encourage you to talk to your PCP or contact a therapist.
In dedication to Dr. Steven Ritter of San Ysidro Health Clinic and Jodi Ashton, MFT of La Mesa.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month- please see our other resources on the site about it:
13 REASONS WHY You Need to Talk to Your Kids- May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Words Can Save a Life. May is Mental Health Awareness Month
#4Mind4Body: May is National Mental Health Awareness Month
