Story of Hope: Meet Susan

When my first child was born, I struggled with postpartum depression. I felt overwhelmed and couldn't sleep, even when I had the opportunity to. I knew I needed help. Within a few weeks of starting medication, I began to feel like myself again. Eventually, I was able to wean off the medication and move forward, embracing life as a new mom.

Not long after, we were blessed with our second child. Because of my previous experience with postpartum depression, my doctor started me on an antidepressant before I even left the hospital after delivery as a proactive measure. I was proud of myself for getting ahead of it and felt hopeful that this time, I could prevent my symptoms from becoming as severe as they had been before.

Unfortunately, the medication didn't work. As the weeks passed, I felt myself slipping into an even deeper depression than I had experienced previously. I felt panicked and desperate. My psychiatrist adjusted my medications and tried different treatment options, but nothing seemed to help.

At this point, my psychiatrist suggested HopeWay. I scheduled an admission, but ultimately canceled. I was a stay-at-home mom with two young children who depended on me, and the thought of stepping away from them felt impossible.

As my depression worsened, it began affecting my body. I stopped eating, experienced full-body cramps, and rapidly lost weight. Eventually, my physical symptoms became so severe that I developed significant stomach issues and ended up in the hospital. While I was there, I asked for a psychiatric evaluation.

I spoke with the psychiatrist for over an hour, holding nothing back. I was completely honest about what I had been experiencing. Hearing the doctor summarize my story and my struggles was the “aha moment” I needed to fully understand how intense my depression had become. I couldn’t keep living that way. My relationships were suffering. My health was declining. I wasn’t myself anymore.

With the support of my family, I called HopeWay again. This time, I was ready.

By the time I arrived in the Residential Program, my mental health struggles had become intimately intertwined with my physical health. HopeWay brought together psychiatric care, medical support, nursing, nutrition, and therapy to address every aspect of my well-being. My medications were thoughtfully adjusted until we found a treatment plan that worked for me. At the same time, my care team helped me regain the weight I had lost and begin restoring my overall health.

For the first time in a long time, I felt like every part of me was being cared for. That whole-person approach changed everything for me.

Before HopeWay, the only thing I looked forward to each day was taking my sleeping medication and going to bed. Now, I'm excited to wake up. I'm excited to watch my children grow. I'm excited to experience life through their eyes. I'm excited for the future.

I can honestly say I'm not only back to myself; I’m a better version of who I was.

Taking a break to get help didn't take me away from my family like I had originally feared it would. It gave me back to them.