Anitha’s journey took an unexpected turn when she married at 23. While she embraced the joys of marriage and motherhood, the arrival of her children also brought challenges she had never anticipated. The birth of her son marked the beginning of a tumultuous period, where the weight of mental illness would test her resilience and strength in ways she could never have imagined.

This is the story of Anitha’s remarkable journey—one of empathy, compassion, and courage. It is a testament to the unyielding human spirit, the importance of a supportive network, and the power of self-love and perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

So, here is Anitha’s inspiring journey in her own words…

I grew up in the heart of a bustling city, surrounded by the warmth and encouragement of my family. With both of my parents being doctors, I was steeped in an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. I pursued an MPhil in linguistics, with dreams of earning a PhD and becoming an academician. My path seemed clear and my future bright, filled with the promise of academic achievements and professional success. But life, with its unpredictable twists and turns, had other plans for me.

I always thought I would follow an academic path. However, at the age of 23, I got married. Soon after, I had my daughter and became busy raising her. Four years later, I found myself pregnant again. My baby boy was born in February 2000. The day we brought him home marked the beginning of a profound change in my life.

The Onset of Postpartum Depression: Accepting It Is the First Step Towards Recovery

It was around 7 PM on a winter evening, and darkness had already set in. As my husband, mother, and mother-in-law settled the baby into his crib, I stood alone on the balcony, overwhelmed by a sudden and terrifying urge to jump. With a forced smile, I walked back into the room where everyone was. That night, I lay next to my newborn, unable to sleep.

The next morning, I woke up feeling profoundly blue and dejected. A sense of hopelessness and despair weighed heavily on my shoulders. As days turned into weeks, these feelings only grew stronger. I knew I was experiencing postpartum depression.

Finding the Right Treatment Is Key: Keep Trying Until You Find What Works for You

My husband and I sought help from a psychiatrist, who prescribed a long list of medications. However, my mother, a pharmacologist, advised me against taking them while I was nursing. Soon, I began experiencing panic attacks. My days became a cycle of morning sadness, afternoon panic attacks, tremendous body pain, and sleepless nights.

For the next four years, I tried everything I could to alleviate my condition: yoga, transcendental meditation, homeopathy, past life regression therapy, Ayurveda, Reiki, naturopathy, the Art of Living, and Inner Engineering. Yet, nothing seemed to help. Finally, in 2004, I turned to allopathy. While it alleviated some of the deep gloom, the panic attacks and excruciating body pain persisted. For ten years, I was misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia and received the wrong treatment.

In 2014, I met a young and brilliant doctor who changed my life. Within a week of seeing him, my severe panic attacks diminished to mild anxiety attacks, and the body pain I thought I would live with forever vanished.

Surround Yourself with People Who Care for You
My mental illness had a huge impact on my daily life and relationships. My daughter, witnessing her mother’s transformation from a strong, confident woman to an emotional wreck, developed anxiety herself. My husband has been a pillar of support, taking care of our children and providing massages to relieve my pain. However, there were times when even he could not handle it.

“Learning to listen to my body has been one of the most important lessons I’ve learned. I discovered self-love and the importance of nurturing myself. When I start feeling anxious, I know that going to a mall, sipping a hot cup of tea at a café, swimming, or walking while listening to music helps.”

Self-Love and Nurturing Yourself Help in Healing

Learning to listen to my body has been one of the most important lessons I’ve learned. I discovered self-love and the importance of nurturing myself. When I start feeling anxious, I know that going to a mall, sipping a hot cup of tea at a café, swimming, or walking while listening to music helps.

My perspective on life has changed dramatically. My struggles with mental illness have made me stronger, more empathetic, and intimately connected to every human being I encounter. I feel a great sense of love and expansion, as if I want to embrace the whole world with love.

“Mental illness is not your fault. Let go of the guilt and turn yourself into your first priority. Love, care for, and nurture yourself.”

Let Go of Guilt and Share your Fears and Anxiety

To others going through similar struggles, I advise understanding that it is not their fault. Let go of guilt, believe that better times will come, and reach out for help from family, friends, and professionals.

Having a support system is crucial. Throughout my journey with mental illness, I have shared everything with my husband, even when he might not fully understand. My psychotherapist and best friend have been there for me during my darkest moments, helping me navigate through my fears and panic attacks.

Believe That the Sun Will Shine Again
Mental illness is not your fault. Let go of the guilt and turn yourself into your first priority. Love, care for, and nurture yourself. It will all get better, and the sun will shine again. My journey with mental illness continues, but I am hopeful and determined to overcome it.