It Wasn't Supposed to be Like This: Over 100 Ideas to Manage the Loneliness, Sadness, and Guilt of Postpartum Depression

by Laurie Varga

An easy-to-read survival guide for those struggling under the relentless weight of postpartum depression. Written by a mother who understands exactly how it feels to see yourself as the worst parent in the world. It Wasn't Supposed to be Like This is for those of us who didn't realize how dark and lonely the postpartum experience could be.

When the joy and sense of bonding with your child aren't there, it's easy to believe you're not getting it or not doing it right. When you can't bring yourself to brush your teeth or take a shower, it can lead you to feel like a failure not only to yourself but to this fragile new person you've brought into the world.

Designed for exhausted, stressed-out

Short, simple chapters that are quick and easy to readSprinkled with humor and authentic stories from the trenchesRaw conversations about the realities of modern parentingCan be read in any order. No rules, no judgment.It Wasn't Supposed to be Like This was created to help part the dark clouds of depression and allow you to discover a glimmer of hope that guides you forward.

Despite the guilt, loneliness, and fear you might be feeling—you are not alone—and we can get through this together.

148 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2021

About the author

Laurie is a designer, a word lover and a professional writer who has managed to survive many bitter, Canadian winters, most likely due to copious amounts of tea and coffee consumption. She is also a Scorpio which explains a few things about her debut novel, Like a Bird.

Heavily influenced by realism and contemporary culture, Laurie is fascinated by the intersection of sex and psychology - two themes that feature prominently in her writing.

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Reviews

[Kate Bramblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amusing and beautiful take on postpartum depression with a great mix of deep thoughts and no shit I should know to do that but my mom brain forgots. A breathe of fresh air amongst a heavy topic.

[Hannah Melendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that it was written out in bite-size pieces so I could read as little as just one sec question at a time, depending on how much time I had at the moment.

I personally do not have any kids, but I do deal with depression and self-doubt. This author presented a lot of ideas, and I like that it was written out as just that: ideas, not trying to tell me what I should do or what should work for me.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s really helped

I love how it’s not a book on you have to do this to get over pd. But how it’s a here’s suggestion on something that might help you. For me some of the ideas 100%helped others I skipped over they weren’t for me. With this being short chapter or points it was easy to read late at night while nursing my baby.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written, good for almost any age. I, personally, read aloud and gained from the experience. I would more than likely read it again in the future.
Definitely recommend.