By LIA SPENCER
MOTHER of four Katie Lithgow gets a lot of love from her young brood, but for several years the Pakenham woman felt sad and alone.
The 33-year-old credits St John of God’s Raphael Centre for helping her get through postnatal depression and to find happiness in life again.
“I was 28 when I found out I was pregnant with my second and I was really happy,” she said.
“I had my first son Jack when I was 19 and was ready for another one.”
The pregnancy went well but after giving birth to Lucy Ms Lithgow was overwhelmed with exhaustion and sadness.
Twelve weeks later, she discovered she was pregnant with her third child and the depression deepened.
“I was worried the whole time. I had to have a caesarean with Lucy so I knew I would have to have another one and I was worried about recovering while dealing with two small babies,” she said.
“I wasn’t positive about anything. Everything was stressful.
“I wondered why I felt so sad since I had so many great things. I felt like I was in a dark hole and couldn’t get out.
“It was just awful.”
Ms Lithgow was consumed with guilt so she didn’t tell anyone how she felt.
She was also worried that if she did expose her feelings, her children would be taken off of her.
For years, Ms Lithgow pushed her feelings aside but after having her fourth child Emily in July last year the sadness surfaced again.
“I decided to go to my GP and tell him how I was feeling. It was such a big step for me and it was such a relief.
“I had kept this secret for so long and I didn’t need to,” she said.
“The doctor explained to me that the postnatal depression (PND) has to do with my hormones and my body.
“I could have everything in the world and still suffer.
“Until then, I didn’t really know what depression was but now I have a better understanding of it.”
Ms Lithgow was referred to the Raphael Centre, through St John of God in Berwick, which helped her deal with her PND.
She said life had improved since and she hoped that other people who felt the same way would seek help.
“They were amazing and I am a lot happier now,” she said.
“I wish I would have done it sooner. I just hope more people will come forward and say how they are feeling and seek help.”
