Louise Thompson shares ‘depressing’ photo from her son Leo’s birth as she reflects on ‘challenging’ week with her health in candid update

I cannot help but be deeply moved by Louise Thompson‘s harrowing account of her experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a difficult childbirth. Her words resonate strongly with me, as I too have faced my own struggles with mental health after giving birth.

I, as a lifestyle expert, understand that sometimes life throws us unexpected curves. Last week was particularly tough for Louise Thompson as she faced some health hurdles. Despite the difficulties, she chose to share an image from a poignant moment – the birth of her son Leo – which she described as “depressing” in its raw and authentic beauty. It serves as a reminder that even amidst challenges, there’s always something worth cherishing.

During Birth Trauma Awareness Week, the TV personality, aged 34, openly shared her thoughts in a heartfelt message about her current journey as she copes with her challenging health issues.

Louise experienced severe health issues for five weeks following her son’s birth in November 2021, which resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder and post-natal anxiety.

I can only imagine the courage and resilience it takes to share such a personal and vulnerable part of one’s journey with the world. In April of this year, she bravely disclosed that she had undergone a life-changing procedure: the installation of a stoma. This decision came after years of battling not just one, but two formidable adversaries – ulcerative colitis and an autoimmune disorder. These conditions had taken a heavy toll on her health and left her with few options but to embrace this new chapter in her life. Through her struggle and eventual surgery, she continues to inspire us all with her strength and determination.

Louise posted a picture from their initial encounter with Leo. In the image, she is dressed in a hospital gown and can be found seated in a wheelchair.

In a lengthy caption, she wrote:  ‘Gosh this photo is depressing. I took the week off social media.

Taking a break from my phone for an entire week was one of the best decisions I’ve made in a long time. I know it might sound drastic to some, but trust me, disconnecting from the digital world allowed me to reconnect with myself and the real world around me.

After making that comment, I couldn’t resist sharing something today. It’s the last day of Birth Trauma Awareness Week, and this year’s observance holds a special significance for me personally.

Instead of sharing a traumatic experience without context, I’d like to share an open and genuine update about my current situation. I believe that many of you have gone through similar experiences, and reading this might bring you some comfort. Moreover, it seems appropriate to do so now.

I’ve had a particularly tough week, I must admit. As a family, we decided to carve out some time for stillness and reflection. We deliberately left our diaries blank and avoided any distractions or responsibilities. The result was an unusual sense of emptiness that allowed memories to surface. It felt odd at first, but as the days passed, I began to appreciate the value of doing nothing and simply being present with my thoughts and feelings. This experience has reminded me of the importance of taking a break from the constant hustle and bustle of life to reconnect with myself and my loved ones.

Despite my PTSD, I continue to believe that my mind strongly dislikes traveling. I also have an aversion to being alone. Instead, I prefer engaging in activities that stimulate dopamine production. Routine and recognizable patterns bring a sense of comfort and safety to my brain as well.

I’ve gone through some significant shifts lately, and I must admit, they’ve left me feeling a tad unsettled. Even the simple act of reading a book has become a source of unwanted introspection, making me ponder life’s harsher realities more than I care to. It’s as if my mind is on overdrive, relentlessly churning out thoughts about the less desirable aspects of existence. It’s an unsettling experience that I wish I could escape from, but alas, my mind seems determined to process these new realizations in its own way and at its own pace.

As a lifestyle expert, I can share from my personal experience that although these quiet getaways may feel challenging and even overwhelming at first, I believe I’ll emerge with a renewed sense of mental resilience. In some ways, it’s similar to the progress made during therapy sessions – each experience helping me grow stronger and better equipped to face life’s obstacles.

Considering her experiences, Louise added, “Looking back can be quite painful, but taking a few steps backward is necessary for making significant progress. Therapy sessions may leave you feeling worse temporarily as they unearth deep and uncomfortable emotions. However, the end result is usually a sense of relief and readiness to face the future with renewed energy.”

Over the past week, I’ve unfortunately experienced some debilitating migraines and feeling quite unwell. Mostly, it’s been an enjoyable experience for me to discover new things with Leo and share more laughter. However, there have been instances where I’ve had to put on a strong front.

It’s possible that I’m going through an autoimmune episode given that I have nerve pain, inflammation on my scalp, severe brain fog, exhaustion, and unusual occurrences with my stoma and backside.

As an obsessed fan, I can’t help but share my recent experience. I’m currently sitting here with a bag of ice on my head, a makeshift remedy for the neck twitches and the throbbing pain in my head. Believe it or not, this isn’t just an accidental discovery; it’s a small comfort in dealing with the discomfort. And I know I’m not alone in these struggles. When I delve into topics like these, I’m surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals who understand the daily challenges we face.

Every day, I’m flooded with messages from you sharing your experiences on this topic. I’m deeply moved by your stories and will keep bringing up this subject to increase awareness. Last night at the hotel in Fowey, I had an inspiring conversation with a woman about her harrowing childbirth experience. Our heartfelt discussion left me feeling rejuvenated and I enjoyed a peaceful sleep afterwards.

After taking a break this past week, I’ve come to realize that I may need to revisit therapy sessions with my clinical psychologist. The thought of undergoing EMDR again is daunting, but it might be necessary based on what I’ve learned about myself during this time. Those who have read my book will understand why this is a significant consideration for me.

I’ve come to realize that living with PTSD from birth trauma is a complex and enduring ordeal. Memories of a harrowing birth experience don’t simply fade away; instead, they linger, often for an extended and frustrating period. These memories can haunt you, making everyday life a challenge. Moreover, the physical scars left behind serve as constant reminders of the trauma that never truly disappears. The emotional and physical toll of this condition can be overwhelming, shaping your life in ways you could have never imagined.

I deeply empathize with your experience and feel compelled to prevent others from enduring similar trauma. If I can make a difference in even one person’s journey, I will spread awareness about it loudly and clearly. Moreover, I’m acutely aware that not everyone has the same advantages I had during my recovery process. While my privileges don’t diminish the pain I felt, they did enable me to persevere. Recognizing this doesn’t take away from the challenges I faced but instead reinforces my determination to help others.

Recently, it came to light that Louise had been closely monitored for suicidal tendencies in the aftermath of her near-fatal experience during childbirth with her partner Ryan by her side, welcoming their newborn son Leo into the world.

The personal trainer shared openly how challenging it was for him during the first 10 months of Leo’s life when Louise required daily caregiver visits.

In an episode of Exercising The Demons podcast featuring his friend and ex-co-star Joshua Patterson, Ryan shared: “The initial ten months of Leo’s life were incredibly challenging for us at home. I’m not exaggerating when I say that things couldn’t have been much worse in terms of the living conditions we had to endure.”

The results of her three major surgeries were a physical change, but the impact on Louise’s mental wellbeing was profound and left her feeling significantly different as an individual.

Each day, we received checks from caregivers. However, due to her expressing thoughts like, “I can’t go on with this, and I don’t see a point in continuing,” they were keeping a close eye on her for suicidal tendencies.

“I had to surround our home with various healthcare professionals for ten months because she wasn’t able to look at Leo, let alone touch him.”

Ryan added that he had to assume the role of mother to Leo while Louise was unable to care for him.

“Leo, during that time you were strongly craving your mother’s presence, and I had to step in instead. It was a challenging experience for me.”

After completing the ten-month journey, I found myself in a terrible condition. My relentless efforts had taken a toll on me, making it difficult for me to assist those around me. I was consumed by misery and felt drained of both energy and patience.

“I harbored quite a bit of bitter feelings too, which gradually seeped in. I found myself developing resentment towards Louise. It’s not easy to put this into words, but the way I perceived my role as a father, represented by Leo, was causing me significant distress.”

After the podcast was made public, Ryan expressed his gratitude on Instagram for the overwhelmingly generous responses he received.

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2024-07-22 04:22