Personal Stories

Healing Through Motherhood: Jennifer’s Journey to Overcoming Childhood Trauma

Julie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-Training

4 days ago

Note: This content is fictional and created with the intention to inspire, uplift, and support you on your mental health journey. If it feels discouraging, please feel free to disregard it—your well-being is always the priority.

Healing Through Motherhood: Jennifer’s Journey to Overcoming Childhood Trauma

Becoming a mother is often seen as a beautiful, transformative experience—one that brings joy, love, and new beginnings. For Jennifer, however, it became an unexpected path to healing, one that she never anticipated would help her recover from the trauma of her past. Her journey to motherhood was marked not only by the usual challenges of first-time parenting but also by the deep emotional work of confronting and overcoming childhood wounds that had shaped her identity.

Jennifer's childhood was far from ideal. Growing up in a home marked by emotional neglect and inconsistent affection, she often felt invisible and unimportant. Simple acts of affection, like being hugged or praised, were rare, and as a result, Jennifer grew up believing she wasn’t worthy of love or care. These feelings followed her well into adulthood, affecting her relationships and self-esteem. For example, she would often question her partner's love or push people away when they showed affection, afraid to be hurt. For years, Jennifer avoided confronting her past, pushing the pain down as best as she could. However, when she became pregnant with her first child, something shifted. The promise of new life, of nurturing and protecting a child, brought up buried emotions and forced Jennifer to face the shadows of her childhood.

Facing Her Fears: The Struggle to Heal

As Jennifer navigated the early stages of motherhood, she found herself in a battle between the love she felt for her child and the overwhelming fear that she might unknowingly pass on the same emotional scars that haunted her. One night, as she rocked her newborn daughter to sleep, Jennifer realized she was repeating patterns from her own childhood—becoming overly anxious about her baby’s safety, hovering too closely, and finding it hard to trust others to help. But instead of pushing those feelings aside, she leaned into them. She sought therapy, joined support groups for new mothers, and began to understand how her unresolved trauma was influencing her parenting. She realized that when her baby cried, she felt her own emotional wounds reopen—her fears of abandonment, of being unloved, resurfaced. With each therapy session, she started to work through these triggers, and slowly, she learned to offer her baby the love and attention she had longed for in her own childhood.

With each milestone her baby hit—first smile, first laugh, first steps—Jennifer began to heal. She took time each day to hold her child and remind herself that she was capable of providing unconditional love. In nurturing her child, she learned how to nurture herself. Jennifer started to create small rituals with her daughter, like reading bedtime stories or holding her in her arms without judgment, allowing her to connect to the nurturing energy she never received as a child. These seemingly simple acts helped her rewrite her story and see that healing could take place in the most unexpected of places.

Intentional Communication: Teaching Unconditional Love

One of the most profound steps Jennifer took on her healing journey was intentionally communicating with her daughter in a way that countered the emotional neglect she had experienced growing up. She made a conscious effort to remind her daughter, even in the midst of frustration or chaos, that her love was unwavering.

When her baby made a mess in the house, Jennifer would lovingly say, "I love you no matter what you do. It's okay to make a mess, it's okay to be imperfect, you are always loved."

When her daughter refused to sleep, Jennifer would whisper, "I love you even if you're tired and cranky, and I love you whether or not you want to go to sleep. You are my world, always."

This constant, unconditional affirmation became a cornerstone of Jennifer’s parenting. She would repeat these words during moments of challenge—when her daughter was picky about what to eat, when the house was chaotic with toys scattered everywhere, or when sleep was elusive. Jennifer knew these small but powerful statements would plant seeds of emotional security in her child. In doing so, Jennifer not only offered the love she had always craved but also broke the cycle of emotional neglect, showing her daughter that love is not dependent on behavior or meeting expectations. It is constant, unconditional, and ever-present.

The Healing Power of Motherhood

Jennifer’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of love. She is now able to hold space for her trauma while also celebrating the joy of motherhood. Through her vulnerability and willingness to face her painful history, Jennifer has come to understand that healing is not linear—it’s messy, complicated, and often unexpected. One small moment, like her daughter looking into her eyes and reaching for her hand, reminded Jennifer that she could provide the love she never received. She now understands that recovery is possible with patience, self-compassion, and the courage to break old cycles.

An Eye-Opening Question

Have you ever wondered if your journey toward healing might be intertwined with a life-changing event like parenthood? Could becoming a mother help you break free from your past and rewrite your future?

Depression in College: My Hallmate Maya's Story (and What We Can All Learn)

Carlie Malott | Crisis Counselor | Guest Writer

Mar 7

The Night Owl’s Dilemma: How I Finally Made Peace with Sleep in College

Ever since my hallmate, Maya, started her freshman year at college, I could tell something was up. At first, I thought she was just tired from all the late-night study sessions. But as the weeks went on, she stayed in her bed a lot, skipped meals, and hardly left our dorm. She told me she felt like she was “sinking in quicksand,” and that’s when I realized she was dealing with something way more serious than stress or a bad mood - she was battling depression.

A Peek into Our Dorm Life

Living near Maya made me see the raw side of mental health struggles. She’d stay awake all night, then sleep through most of the day. When she did get up, she’d often say she didn’t feel “worthy” to hang out with others or join group projects. Watching her beat herself up like that broke my heart. I tried to be there for her with little things: bringing her tea, inviting her to watch silly reality TV, or suggesting short walks around campus. Sometimes she’d smile and come along. Other times, she’d just shake her head and say she was too tired.

Why College Feels So Overwhelming

I always wondered why depression can feel so much heavier in college. I’ve heard counselors say it’s because our schedules are crazy, and there’s a ton of pressure to figure out our futures - like, who even knows what they want to do with their life at 19? We also have social media making everything look perfect, which can make real life seem super disappointing. Maya told me she felt like everyone around her was “crushing it” while she was struggling to get through a single day.

Click to Learn About The Weight of Expectations: Academic Pressure, Future Anxiety, and How to Help Your Teen Thrive

On top of that, many students juggle part-time jobs or internships while also taking challenging classes. There’s barely any time to step back and breathe. Dorm rooms become mini-offices, and we end up doing homework on top of laundry or skipping meals to finish group projects.

That hustle culture can totally mess with our heads.

Therapeutic Techniques that Help

I’m not an expert, but after watching Maya explore different therapy options, I’ve learned a few cool methods. I even tried some of these techniques myself because, let’s be real, college can make us all a little anxious.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Maya started talking to a campus counselor who introduced her to CBT. It basically teaches you to catch the negative thoughts in your head and replace them with more realistic ones. She said it was like “rewiring a bad signal” in her brain.

2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT focuses on coping strategies - especially for super intense emotions. Maya learned skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation, which helped her stay calm when she felt an emotional storm brewing.

3. Guided Imagery and Meditation: Our gym hosted a weekly relaxation circle. We’d lie on yoga mats, close our eyes, and imagine peaceful places - like a beach at sunrise or a quiet forest trail. It sounded cheesy at first, but just 15 minutes of calm made a huge difference in our stress levels.

New Innovations in Therapy

There are also some techy ways people are getting support:

● Teletherapy & Apps: With busy schedules, sometimes it’s impossible to visit an in-person therapist. Maya used an online counseling service through our university. There are also apps with guided breathing exercises, CBT journaling prompts, or mood trackers - pretty cool for managing mental health on the go.

● Campus Wellness Hubs: Our school just launched something called a “Wellness Studio,” where students can try light therapy for seasonal depression or use VR headsets for guided meditation. Maya said sitting in front of a bright light on cloudy days helped boost her mood.

Mental Health in the Workplace (Yes, Even for Internships!)

We also realized that mental health matters beyond campus. A lot of us are doing internships or part-time jobs. Stress doesn’t magically stop when you’re off campus; it can follow you to your workplace. Maya had a meltdown during her internship because she was scared of messing up.

She started talking openly with her supervisor (which felt huge because it’s scary to be vulnerable), and the supervisor was really understanding - letting her take short mental health breaks during the day. This taught me that workplaces are slowly becoming more aware of the importance of mental well-being.

Stories of Healing and Hope

While depression is tough, I’ve seen hope in Maya’s journey. She says she still feels sad sometimes, but she’s learned to spot the warning signs - like wanting to isolate for days - and reach out for help sooner. Our dorm is far from perfect, but we’re learning to watch out for each other. If we see someone missing from the dining hall for too long, we’ll knock on their door or send a friendly text.

Other students shared how group therapy sessions, supportive professors, or even a campus dog therapy event helped them find moments of relief. Everyone’s story is different, but one thing’s the same: nobody has to go through it alone.

Click to Learn About How to Navigate Anxiety in College

A Final Word: You’re Not Alone

If you’re reading this and feeling like you’re drowning in your own thoughts, please remember that there’s always someone ready to listen. Whether it’s a friend, a professor, a therapist, or even a roommate who brings you random cups of tea - people do care.

College is hard, yes, but it’s also a place where you can discover the right support for your mental health.

If Maya can push through the dark days and find a path to feeling stronger, maybe you can, too. Don’t be afraid to reach out, explore new therapeutic techniques, or just ask for a hug when you need it. Your mental well-being matters, and there are so many resources out there waiting to help you find your way.

Carlie Malott

Crisis Counselor | Guest Writer of Moody Melon Magazine

I’m a junior at Colorado College studying Psychology and Education. Passionate about mental health, I believe normalizing conversations about struggles fosters belonging and hope—values I strive to integrate into all my work.

From the Depths of Darkness to the Light of Hope: Allison's Journey of Overcoming Postpartum Depression

Julie Barris | Crisis Counselor | Therapist-in-Training

Mar 5

From the Depths of Darkness to the Light of Hope: Allison's Journey of Overcoming Postpartum Depression

When Allison first became a mother, she envisioned a world filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with her newborn daughter. But as the days turned into weeks, a shadow slowly began to creep into her life—a feeling of overwhelming sadness and isolation she couldn’t explain. The once-promising journey into motherhood was now clouded by an invisible weight, one that no one could truly see but her. Allison was struggling with postpartum depression.

The Unseen Battle

Postpartum depression (PPD) is often misunderstood. It’s more than just feeling "down" or "sad" after childbirth; it’s a complex and crippling condition that can affect new mothers physically, emotionally, and mentally. For Allison, the symptoms crept in slowly—first as extreme fatigue, then as a constant sense of dread, and eventually, a feeling of disconnection from her newborn daughter.

“I felt like I was failing as a mother,” Allison admits. “I thought that the love I was supposed to feel for my baby should come naturally, but instead, I felt empty and overwhelmed. I couldn’t understand why it was so hard, and that only made me feel more ashamed of myself.”

But postpartum depression didn't just impact Allison's relationship with her baby—it also began to strain her marriage with her husband, Mark. As she sank deeper into her depression, Allison found herself withdrawing not just emotionally, but physically. The intimacy they once shared was replaced with distance. Conversations, once filled with shared dreams and excitement, became strained, and every small issue felt like an insurmountable mountain.

“I couldn’t be the partner Mark needed me to be,” Allison reflects. “I wasn’t present. I was caught in my own head, battling feelings of inadequacy. I felt like I was failing him, too.”

Mark, too, felt the shift. As someone who had always been supportive and understanding, he struggled to navigate the change. He tried to be there for Allison, but he didn’t know how to reach her through the fog of depression. At times, he felt helpless and frustrated. The tension in their relationship grew, making both of them feel more isolated in a time when they should have been leaning on each other.

Seeking Help and Breaking the Silence

Seeking help wasn’t easy for Allison, but it was essential. She began therapy with a counselor who specialized in postpartum mental health. She also sought support from her doctor and was prescribed medication to help stabilize her mood.

“Therapy was where I could finally voice all the things I was feeling but couldn’t say aloud. I didn’t even know how much I needed to talk until I was in that space,” Allison reflects. “It was like releasing a pressure that had built up over months.”

For their marriage, seeking help also meant attending counseling together. Mark didn’t fully understand what postpartum depression was, but through therapy, he learned how he could support Allison better—emotionally and practically. He began to realize that he wasn’t responsible for “fixing” her but that his role was simply to be present and compassionate as she navigated her healing process.

“The counseling helped me understand that postpartum depression was not something Allison could just snap out of—it wasn’t a choice,” Mark says. “We both had to be patient, not just with her recovery, but with each other. We were in this together.”

A Light at the End of the Tunnel

The path to recovery wasn’t linear. There were setbacks, days when she felt hopeless and unsure if she’d ever feel like herself again. But through therapy, medication, and an unwavering support system, Allison began to see glimpses of her old self, the person who was strong, resilient, and capable of navigating the complexities of motherhood—and marriage.

“The most profound moment in my recovery came when I was able to hold my baby in my arms and truly feel connected to her—not out of obligation, but out of real, unconditional love,” Allison recalls. “It was a powerful realization that I wasn’t broken. I was healing.”

Allison and Mark also began to rebuild their connection. They learned to communicate better, express their needs, and lean on each other without judgment. Their bond, once fractured by the strain of postpartum depression, became stronger as they both healed.

“Allison’s recovery taught us both the importance of being vulnerable and open,” Mark says. “It’s not easy, but I’ve learned that mental health struggles don’t have to break a marriage—they can strengthen it, if you’re willing to grow together.”

Click to Learn About Crafting Your Creative Self-Care Sanctuary While Caring for a Newborn

The Journey Continues

Today, Allison is not only a mother but a beacon of hope for others who might be struggling with postpartum depression. She understands that healing is an ongoing process, but one that is possible with the right support and tools. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-compassion, community, and the importance of taking mental health seriously.

Her marriage, too, has evolved into something deeper. The challenges they faced brought them closer, teaching them both how to navigate tough times with empathy, love, and understanding.

But the question remains: If we can support a mother through the joy of childbirth, why is it so difficult to support her through the unseen challenges of postpartum depression?

Is it time we break the stigma once and for all, not just for mothers, but for their marriages too?

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