Everyday Fashion, Real Life Ramblings

Confessions: Gingham Plaid Dress

Gingham Summer Dress

Are you totally intrigued by the title and wonder what I may have to confess?????

If you are then I have done my job by hooking you… if you aren’t then scroll on by.

May is Nation Mental Health Awareness Month and millions of Americans and even more world wide are affected by mental health issues.  As someone who suffers from anxiety (my BIG confession) I am ever eager to help educate, acknowledge and support those who are also effected by mental health issues.  To start I want to offer a few resources for individuals who may need extra support and then I will shed light on my own journey.

 

To preface I am not an expert on mental illness.  This is about my journey and my story only.  My hope is that someone find comfort, identifies with this or feels less alone.  Furthermore, it is fairly theraputic for me to write this- I mean at the end of the day Pish to Posh is place where I have always felt free, confident and honest.

I was first diagnosed with anxiety in my mid-twenties and began seeing a therapist.  My symptoms ranged from full blown panic attacks where I could not breath, I would be hysterical and flee the situation at any expense (emotionally, physically and monetarily) to a daily shortness of breath, to indulgence in alcohol and at times a lack of interest in just about eveything.  My symptoms became over bearing and ruled my life and so I was encouraged to see a therapist.  Through many sessions focusing on being true to myself, releasing myself from the pressures of others and allowing myself to feel respected and loved I began to feel much better and to have a handle of my life.  My panic attacks stopped, my shortness of breath subsided and I began to feel passionate about my life.  At that point in time I began and completed my Masters in Special Education and became a teacher.

Flash forward 8 years to after Declans birth.  My anxiety returned only this time it was intertwined and coupled with severe postpartum depression.  Recognizing the signs and triggers my mother accompanied my to my 6 week postpartum appointment where she spoke to my doctor about my mental health…. I was relieved and appreciative of this as I was only focusing on my inability to care for my medically challenged newborn son. At that moment I felt a sense of relief and a sense of support that I am forever grateful for.  My mom knew I needed help and she knew I was too stubborn and too proud to admit I was no longer in control of my anxiety.  I had worked so hard to learn my triggers, to understand my mental abilities but in that moment I was unable to see what was right in front of me.

Declan is now three years old and I am still dealing with my anxiety.  Some days I use medication to enable myself to get through the tough times but most of the time I work on acknowledging and owning my triggers. My triggers, now, are almost identical to those from my early twenties… my need to please everyone, my fear of failing and my desire to have people accept me.  I started Pish to Posh as an avenue to showcase the person I FEEL and know LIVES inside me as too often people saw me and thought of me as a weak over emotional person. I have friends who have no idea I suffer from this mental health condition (well they do know!).

I have been pretty tight lipped about it as to not paint a perception or image of someone or something I am not.  Recently, I have made some changes in my life and been very intentional about who I surround myself with, who I confide in and who I trust.  Over the last several years I have learned to hold my life close to my heart and to protect myself.  Has this changed some of my relationships???  Yes, it certainly has.  Has it changed my marriage??  Yes, it certainly has.  Has it changed my life???  YES, it certainly has.

 

SHOP THE LOOK: DRESS // WEDGES // BAG <similar> // WATCH // EARRING

Some days are easier than others and some days are down right hard.  That is the thing with mental health… I can try and try to control it and I can try and try to “overcome” it but the truth is that I have anxiety. Each day I am faced with the choice to let it overtake me and consume me or to work hard and change my life.  Everyday I choose.  Sometimes I make the easy choice and let it consume me, let it keep me away from social situations, let it rule my marriage and let it influence my parenting.  But most days I choose to admit that I have anxiety, take a deep breath and challenge myself to make a small change that will help me feel free.  Because that is the thing… I feel trapped.  But only I can change that- through my actions, through my thoughts and through leaning on my support system.

This is me.  For better or worse this is me.

SHOP THE LOOK: DRESS // WEDGES // BAG <SIMILAR> // WATCH // EARRING

This dress was gifted to me by the wonderful ladies at Shopstevie Colorado.  Check out their website for the best summer casual looks.  Their products are so easy to wear, fit perfectly and reasonably priced.  This blue plaid gingham is less than $40.  It is a flowyier fit but runs true to size. They have such a great selection of casual summer dress and ship all their products!

These Steve Madden platform sandals are slowly becoming my favorite summer sandals as they are ever comfortable and such a great neutral that they pair with anything.  I wear them with shorts, dresses, skirts and denim.  This floral bag is not as readily available anymore but I have linked several other bright floral bags and this same bag in a different color.

Have a great week everyone!!  If you haven’t already make sure to subscribe to ensure you never miss a post.

With Love,


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43 Comments

  • Shannon | Mom Without Labels

    Thank you for sharing your story! You’re a great mom for recognizing it so early after Declan was born and doing something about it. Such a hard thing to deal with but I’m sure you’re killing it! Also, that dress is adorbs!!

    May 31, 2017 at 6:52 am Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Thank you so much Shannon- I’m glad I have such great support!
      A

      May 31, 2017 at 2:26 pm Reply
  • Whit

    Proud of you for sharing this! ?

    May 31, 2017 at 7:49 am Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Thanks Love!
      A

      May 31, 2017 at 2:27 pm Reply
  • Jana

    Oh girl! I can totally relate to issues of anxiety. Thanks for sharing your story 🙂 xo Jana | http://www.janastyleblog.com

    May 31, 2017 at 9:45 am Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Jana- sometimes people dont think anxiety is a real problem- which is wild to me!
      A

      May 31, 2017 at 2:27 pm Reply
  • Style Vicksen

    Brilliant! Good strategy to bring folks in. Thank you for being candid about your anxiety. Many people go through this and gave no idea who to talk to or where to seek help.

    May 31, 2017 at 10:20 am Reply
    • pishtoposh

      My hope was to help someone feel a bit better… thanks for stopping by.
      A

      May 31, 2017 at 2:33 pm Reply
  • Maria

    Thanks for sharing your story and being so vulnerable and honest. This will help others who are going through the same thing. You are not alone and it’s good to surround yourself with a people who understand what you are going through. Lots of love, M

    May 31, 2017 at 10:41 am Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Maria- thank you- my hope is that someone else feel less alone after reading this.
      A

      May 31, 2017 at 2:28 pm Reply
  • Tiffany Schmoyer

    You are amazing, thank you for sharing this! It takes a lot to be open and talk about subjects that aren’t seen as ‘normal conversation’!

    May 31, 2017 at 11:10 am Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Tiffany- thank you for the support. It was a bit tough to write but at the end of the day more therapeutic over anything.

      May 31, 2017 at 2:29 pm Reply
  • Linda

    Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing your story with us. I, too, have been dealing with anxiety for as long as I can remember. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to wake up in the morning but other days, I’ll be fine. Just know, you are not alone.

    Ps. You are absolutely stunning! Love the dress!

    May 31, 2017 at 11:15 am Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Linda- thank you for sharing. Means a lot.
      A

      May 31, 2017 at 2:29 pm Reply
  • Minnelle

    Cute dress!

    May 31, 2017 at 12:05 pm Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Thanks.

      May 31, 2017 at 2:32 pm Reply
  • Angela Kim

    That plaid is so cute! I love how you can pair with different pops of color.

    May 31, 2017 at 1:32 pm Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Thanks Angela- it such a fun dress to wear.
      A

      May 31, 2017 at 2:30 pm Reply
  • Laura Mitbrodt

    Your gingham dress is so cute, love it with that bag
    xo
    http://www.laurajaneatelier.com

    May 31, 2017 at 1:45 pm Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Laura- thanks for stopping by!
      A

      May 31, 2017 at 2:30 pm Reply
  • Shannon

    I am ALL about these vulnerable posts (though that dress looks amazing on you!) – thank you for sharing your story. As someone with those exact same symptoms {but honestly, it took me years to finally get that it wasn’t norma;}, it’s comforting to know I’m not alone. At the end of the day, it’s what makes us.. US! Sending you so many hugs and thanks again for sharing your story & spreading the love. x Shannon || http://champagneatshannons.com

    May 31, 2017 at 1:52 pm Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Shannon- I am sooo glad you can relate and that you enjoyed reading. That is what inspires me to keep writing. Thank you-
      A

      May 31, 2017 at 2:31 pm Reply
  • Debbie Savage

    Thank you so much for being authentic and brave in sharing your story!!! I admire you so much and I can’t wait to meet you in person one day! BTW, you are rocking this dress!
    xo Debbie | http://www.tothineownstylebetrue.com

    May 31, 2017 at 3:34 pm Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Debbie- that is too kind. I hope to meet you also!!
      A

      June 5, 2017 at 9:31 am Reply
  • Carrie Ostergard

    Thank you for sharing your journey. Love how honest you are makes others feel good to know they are not alone.

    May 31, 2017 at 7:16 pm Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Carrie- that is certainly my hope!
      A

      June 5, 2017 at 9:30 am Reply
  • Tayler Morrell

    Living with anxiety really is hard–I have it too. But, on another note…I LOOOOVE your dress!

    May 31, 2017 at 7:38 pm Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Thanks Tayler- dress is so fun and summery- thanks for stopping by.
      A

      June 5, 2017 at 9:30 am Reply
  • Naya @ Lactivist in Louboutins

    Thanks for sharing your story. I dealt with postpartum anxiety as well and wish I had gotten help sooner like you did. My youngest child is now three and I still am dealing with the effects of it. Your story makes other moms not feel so alone! You look amazing in that dress!!

    May 31, 2017 at 8:35 pm Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Naya- My greatest hope is that I was able to connect with at least one reader and let them know they are not alone- I am so glad that was you. Postpartum is hard and so is anxiety- I hope you have great supports.
      A

      June 5, 2017 at 9:29 am Reply
  • Victoria

    Thank you for sharing your story! The more you share the better life will be for you and everyone who reads it.

    May 31, 2017 at 10:30 pm Reply
  • Courtney Bentley

    darling! you so super beautiful in that dress! love the pop of green there too!

    ♡Courtney Bentley ||http://www.starsystemz.com

    May 31, 2017 at 11:52 pm Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Thank you Courtney-
      A

      June 5, 2017 at 9:28 am Reply
  • hanna - platforms and pacifiers

    This dress is adorable!! I love how it isn’t just one solid pattern – how the gingham is different sizes and stuff!

    June 1, 2017 at 6:05 am Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Hanna- I love the print and the play on both plaid and gingham- its so fun!!!
      A

      June 5, 2017 at 9:28 am Reply
  • Vanessa @ {nifty thrifty things}

    Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I’m sure it wasn’t easy to write and open up, but it will be helpful for so many other women and moms!!
    I’m glad you have such attentive people around you that recognized you needed help after the birth. I’m sure it wasn’t easy..
    Thanks again and hugs from Germany,
    Vanessa

    June 1, 2017 at 8:38 am Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Vanessa- Thank you for the support and love. I am forever grateful to those who have and continue to support me with my anxiety… it really takes a team!
      A

      June 5, 2017 at 9:27 am Reply
  • Amanda Rinehart

    I have found that anxiety and depression are FAR more common than most tend to think. Unfortunate that they remain so stigmatized. I had no idea you were a teacher! I thought about pursuing that as well.

    June 1, 2017 at 8:10 pm Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Amanda- I agree that the stigma attached has such negative connotation- it is too bad. Teaching was fun- I loved my kiddos.
      A

      June 5, 2017 at 9:25 am Reply
  • Patricia

    You look stunning, and more importantly thank you for opening up about your situation. I’m sure that there are many who can relate! You are a wonderful wife and mom!

    June 2, 2017 at 6:09 am Reply
    • pishtoposh

      Thanks Patricia that is the hope! Have a great one and thanks for stopping by.
      A

      June 5, 2017 at 9:24 am Reply
  • Rachel

    Thank you for sharing your story on PPD + anxiety. I’m right there with you! PS. LOOOVE the dress.

    June 4, 2017 at 5:39 pm Reply
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    June 5, 2017 at 8:30 am Reply
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