Ghosted friend struggles to cope at church
After the meal, you would have thanked your friend and exclaimed, "Next time is on ME!"
Your pal created some awkwardness, but this should not affect your memory of the generosity, or your gratitude for it.
Dear Amy: The letter from "Nervous Nelly" describing her post-partum anxiety really resonated with me.
Unlike Nervous Nelly, I was never anxious until I had my child.
Some days I couldn't even leave the house with him as I was consumed with fear. Attempts to ask fellow moms if they ever felt this way led to side eyes and incredulous looks, and left me feeling very alone.
I urge Nervous Nelly to seek professional help. Therapy, combined with an antidepressant, saved my life and made me a more secure and happy mom!
She is definitely not alone!
-- No Longer Nervous
Dear No Longer: In responding to this question, I detailed my own struggle with post-partum anxiety. One of the most challenging aspects of this experience, for me, was the shame of not feeling "normal," "natural," or possibly even ready for motherhood.
Other parents who had never experienced this made me feel even worse. Thank goodness my own mother -- and my partner -- were so compassionate toward me at that time. My own anxiety lifted gradually, but yes -- any woman experiencing this should definitely pursue treatment immediately.
========
(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)
