itchy

Being diagnosed with post-partum depression is a lot like being told you have head lice.

Even though you know it's common and treatable, it's still pretty embarrassing, and you wouldn't be in this position if you didn't have a kid.

That said, it's also a relief.

It's nice to know that you're not just an incompetent mother. Or that your feelings of failure are pathologically disproportionate. It's nice to know that feeling out of sync with all the other mothers at Baby Time isn't just your personality.

Of course, much like head lice, acknowledging the problem is only the first step. Now we get out the medicated shampoo, the gloves and the teeny tiny comb, and start working the problem out. With time, you'll be able to show your face in public again, confident that you're going to be ok.

Bring on the permethrin.