New I Am Second Film Explores One Mother’s Battle with Grief and Depression After Pregnancy
Author Julie Thomas Offers Viewers a Detailed Glimpse of Her Postpartum Depression and Her Escape from a Living Nightmare
PLANO, Texas, July 28, 2022 – In the new White Chair Film released by global storytelling organization I Am Second, life coach and author, Julie Thomas, talks about the shame and darkness that once gripped her and how she found healing in sharing her story with others who have experienced the devastating effects of postpartum depression.
A mother to two healthy baby boys, Thomas should have been happy, but with the arrival of her second son came heavy pangs of anxiety and confusion. A recurring vision plagued her mind where she would imagine herself pacing a hospital hallway with an empty baby cart at the end of it.
“This reel that was playing in my head was so consistent. There was no off-switch,” said Thomas. “I lost all control of me.”
As debilitating depression and a severe form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) began to consume her, it became difficult for Thomas to manage the realities of life and escape the nightmare in her head. In an attempt to cope with these complex emotions and the accompanying shame, Thomas hid.
“I tried to hide as much as I could,” said Thomas. “I did not make eye contact with people. I kept my house as dark as possible... That’s the kind of darkness that took over my life.”
Despite her efforts to silence the overwhelming chaos in her mind, Thomas couldn’t seem to escape, so she turned to other avenues. She describes how she would run away from home at night and even tried ending her own life.
“All that running – it didn’t help me,” said Thomas. “I was running away from me. I was running away from who I was and the person that was inside of me. And that person needed rescue.”
In the new film from I Am Second, Thomas shares how she came face-to-face with her loneliness and in her darkest hour, felt the light and presence of God. Although it was very difficult at first, especially because of her Indian culture and the pressures she felt because of it, she began to share her story with people. In doing so, she discovered that others were suffering from crippling forms of anxiety and depression, too. Her openness helped her bring healing to others and encounter the light herself.
“God, for some reason, has spared me. Perhaps to tell this story today,” she said.
CDC research shows about one in eight women with a recent live birth suffers from symptoms of postpartum depression. Another study done by Postpartum Support International reveals that approximately 9% of women experience postpartum PTSD following childbirth.
To address these realities, Thomas has since written the book “HOPE Inside Out,” which details her struggle with depression and PTSD, as well as the hope she was able to find in God.
To watch the exclusive I Am Second film, visit iamsecond.com/film/julie-thomas.
About I Am Second
I Am Second is a nonprofit launched in 2008 that ignites hope and inspires people to live for God and for others. Its website, iamsecond.com, features written and film-based stories of more than 150 athletes, actors, models, musicians, cultural influencers and everyday people who have stepped in front of the camera and declared, “I Am Second.” For information, visit iamsecond.com.
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Media Contact:
Julie Shutley
972-267-1111
julie@alarryross.com