Hey everyone. My PPD and PPA have been acting up lately. I have suffered a lot of hardships in my life and this last week I’ve had an epiphany and stirred up grief. I’ve also been having nightmares again. I had them right after my baby was born. I went on some medication and it was super helpful. I decided to stop taking the medication a few months ago bc I was doing better. My doctor agreed. Then this week it’s been awful. I don’t know what to do. Everything that’s been going on is so overwhelming. I’ve realized what I’m missing out on and what my husband has been missing out on. My in laws are appalled that we decided to stop going to church for my husband’s mental health, and everything is about to go off the rails. We expect to be disowned or have to cut them out of our lives soon and I have been so overwhelmed by everything. I don’t know what to do. Anyone have any advice on dealing with uptight and judgmental in-laws?
Back story on what else has been going on in my life: my dad died when I was very young. I’ve always dreamed of having a father in law that I respect and who treats me with respect (he calls me “little girl” every time he sees me and refuses to have a genuine conversation with me) as one of his daughters. I didn’t realize til this last week that my relationship with my father in law is not good at all and that I had this expectation (that I didn’t even know I had til this week)of him to be like a father to me. On top of that, my cousin passed away 4 years ago by suicide. We grew up in the same household. He was like a brother to me (we were born 2 months apart). When we were little, he couldn’t pronounce my name so he called me “Teeta”. My niece was trying to say my name this week and she called me Teeta multiple times. It made me miss him even more than I thought I could. I’ve also dealt with severe depression and anxiety in my teen years.
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I just stopped and prayed for you-so so sorry you’re going through this. Ppa and ppd are awful, and family drama on top of that feels debilitating. Please know you’re not obligated to do anything that steals your peace or makes life harder-especially if you’re doing it out of guilt or obligation. It sounds like you’re a Christian, and your relationship with God is not solely dependent on you going to church.
I’m praying your depression and anxiety and nightmares subside, that you’re able to think clearly, and that your body and nervous system can rest.

Girl. I don’t have much advice to offer but know that I’m sending love to you in your situation right now. You are so special and you matter a great deal. Your in laws should read that verse about there being no condemnation for those who are in Christ. He’s at work outside of church walls. Do not feel guilty for wanting was it best for your family and for your healing. I’m so sorry life has been tumultuous for you, know that it’s not your fault. Please reach out and keep talking! I will pray that you will receive the loving support and encouragement you need. God bless to you and your family. All the best and all my love 💕
yes we are, but the way my husband grew up, he has a lot of baggage around church and never feels anything but shame and guilt (not the conviction kind of guilt or shame) when he is in one. He hasn’t felt God’s love/presence when he enters a church due to his parents and the types of churches they went to. We came to the conclusion that we wouldn’t go to church until he felt safe in one again. And they keep asking to have a conversation but we haven’t had the time. We’re all afraid this will blow up in our faces and we will lose his entire family.