anca covalschi
“I remember crying every day and being terrified at the thought that I would definitely die; that’s when it really hit me that I did have serious PTSD.”
“I had a very traumatic birth experience during which I nearly lost my life…
I spent a week in ICU with blood transfusions, dialysis, not being able to move at all, not being able to feed my baby, and most importantly, not even being able to hold him! I had a severe type of preeclampsia called HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets) syndrome, a life-threatening pregnancy complication usually considered to be a variant of preeclampsia. It was something that I didn’t even know existed until I suddenly had it! I was told by the medical team that I was actually truly lucky to have survived. I recovered quickly though and after two weeks I was walking and started feeling more like myself physically. I have never thought about PTST (Post-traumatic stress disorder), as I buried all these memories somewhere deep inside so that I didn’t have to deal with all those strong emotions.
At first I thought that just as my body recovered well, so did my mind, but one time after few years, when I thought there might be a chance that I was pregnant again by accident, I remember crying every day and being terrified at the thought that I would definitely die; that’s when it really hit me that I did have serious PTSD.
I talked to people about my story and I raised awareness about this dreadful illness. I exercised to release endorphins and surrounded myself with people who understand me and care for me. I chose quality over quantity.
I didn’t realise that I was making progress by just living a healthy and happy life, and staying away from negativity. Fitness and nutrition are a big part of my life; not only have they improved my physique, but also my self-esteem and my overall mental state. My family is my rock and it just gives me joy being with them.
I thought the ‘For You’ campaign was an absolutely brilliant idea and that through it I could help to raise awareness about the struggles that a mother can go through whilst giving birth, and about being your own advocate and following your instincts if you feel something is wrong.
I want to let all women know that finding a passion and doing something that you love to do is very important, I want them to know that exercising and pursuing a healthy lifestyle does actually help to make you happy, and looking fit does elevate your self-esteem and makes you feel more confident.”
