The Classroom of My Life

By Keshia D. Keith

The author, Keshia Keith, recounts the turbulent experiences she endured as a result of having postpartum depression. In this captivating book based on her personal account of the physical, emotional, and spiritual battle to cope, Keshia takes us through periods of uncertainty, sadness, frustration, and triumph. During this tumultuous period, Keshia finds herself in the psychiatric hospital, wrestling with what is real and what is not. Having been a graduate student for the past two years, she truly entered what she would so accurately title this bookthe classroom of her life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Nov 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781512761429

Keshia D. Keith

Keshia Keith is a native of South Carolina. She has experienced postpartum depression and has been led to share her awakening. Keshia is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) possessing a PhD in counseling studies. Keshia teaches undergraduate and graduate psychology courses. She provides counseling services to various populations to include children and adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. She has been a military spouse for over sixteen years, which has allowed Keshia to travel and meet other military spouses and families. When she isn’t working, Keshia and her family enjoy spending quality time together at home, visiting with family and friends, playing golf, and traveling. She currently resides in Oklahoma.

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Copyright © 2016 Keshia D. Keith.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-5127-6141-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5127-6142-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016917595

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/8/2016

CONTENTS

Dedication

Introduction

Chapter 1 Mrs. Know-It-All

Chapter 2 Losing My Mind to Find Myself

Chapter 3 Going through Changes

Chapter 4 Bringing Forth Life in Silence

Chapter 5 Going Home Empty-Handed

Chapter 6 Awakened in Darkness

Chapter 7 Asking for Help

Chapter 8 Recovery

References

About the Author

DEDICATION

I dedicate this book to:

My son, whose birth provided the catalyst for my awakening. I am thankful this awakening allowed me to experience a closer faith walk with God.

My husband, who has walked this path with me while on foreign and domestic soil. Thank you for always being on my team.

My family, for always being there through the good, the bad, the happy, and the sad.

Mothers everywhere, who have experienced postpartum depression and have felt ashamed to admit their experiences. This is your day to know you are not alone.

Military spouses everywhere, who have stood on the front lines at home, day in and day out, and haven’t let obstacles restrict them. May you discover your awakening moment and have light to see the way.

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10

INTRODUCTION

It is sometimes difficult for us as women to just sit and enjoy a slight breeze on a sunny day or to catch up on some of our favorite TV shows. The difficulty comes because we have so many tasks to accomplish and nothing on our to-do list can go undone.

In times of stress, frustration, and anxiety, it is difficult to identify the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. Sometimes those who are closest to us don’t realize the changes that are taking place. It’s not until we’re forced to slow down, to relax, and