There are so many questions surrounding postpartum OCD. I still don’t even fully understand it, and I am someone who is dealing with it myself. Below are some of the questions I would have wanted answered by someone who has experienced it themselves: I am not a doctor; I am just a mom who experienced postpartum OCD.

Q1: I think the number one question I had was why me? As in what did I do to deserve postpartum OCD?

A1: The answer is nothing! You did nothing wrong at all to deserve this diagnosis. No one asks to have postpartum OCD. I have learned postpartum OCD is caused by many factors including hormones and a predisposition to OCD and other anxiety disorders. There is nothing wrong with you. Postpartum OCD is a lot more common than we think. It is not widely diagnosed because many people hide their symptoms, myself included.

Q2: Why does no one talk about postpartum OCD?

A2: This was a huge one for me, and one of the main reasons I wanted to start this blog. No one talks about postpartum OCD. I was so embarrassed to share my diagnosis with anyone. I realized that we need to normalize this conversation. Postpartum OCD is not talked about because people are afraid to admit they are having intrusive thoughts and do not want to share them. No one should be afraid to share these thoughts. If you are going through postpartum OCD, share your feelings with someone you trust. It starts the conversation.

Q3: Will the CPS come and take my child if I am honest about my intrusive thoughts?

A3: The answer is NO! I cannot tell you how many times I asked this to my therapist. I was terrified of even sharing one thought I was having. My therapist assured me no one would take my daughter for sharing my thoughts. Sharing them actually helped me give these distressing thoughts less power. I also still have my daughter.

Q4: How do you stop the intrusive thoughts?

A4: This is a question I ask daily to myself. Unfortunately you cannot. You can only control how you handle them. I have learned to accept that I have them and try not to give them as much power. I still deal with intrusive thoughts to this day, but I am much better at managing them. They do not cause me as much debilitating stress as they had in the past.

Q5: Will I be able to get over postpartum OCD?

A5: The answer is YES! You will be able to get over your symptoms and live your life again. Some people can do it on their own, but it is helpful to find therapy. There are therapists out there who specialize in this disorder. Little by little I got my life back. I am stronger than I ever have been. I promise you there is hope!