I knew being a parent would be exhausting, but I had no idea how much it would really affect me. I wondered, “Why is my sleep so bad since having kids?” It wasn’t until recently that I discovered a new reason for my exhaustion.
How to Respond When People Say “You Think That’s Hard?”
People say the darndest things when you talk about your struggles, don’t they? Here’s how to respond when people say “You Think That’s Hard?”
Grieving a Newborn Experience I Didn’t Have
I had a very colicky baby, and I was desperate for a reprieve. I often wonder what it would have been like to ENJOY the first few months of my third baby’s life. I can’t help but feel like I missed something really special. I am grieving a newborn experience I didn’t have.
Pregnant and Postpartum Mental Health Challenges and Risk Factors
Becoming a mom brings changes which can trigger struggles with pregnancy and postpartum mental health. There are a variety of risk factors that can contribute to depression. I experienced depression for the first time during pregnancy, and it completely took me by surprise. Here are some risk factors that may contribute to depression during pregnancy and postpartum mental health.
Sometimes Depression Feels Like a Cage
Depression feels like a mental cage.
It’s frustrating when my brain keeps me from doing things I know I can do. I feel like a cheetah trapped in a cage when I could be running up to 90mph if given the chance. But I am not free.
I Never Wanted to Take Medication For Mental Health
I never wanted to take medication for mental health. Asking for “help” for depression and anxiety was literally the last thing I wanted to do. But after exhausting all other options, it was my only choice.
Why People With Depression Don’t Reach Out For Help
“Reach out for help.” This is such a simple phrase. But putting those words into action feels anything but simple when you are in the throes of depression. I have struggled with depression and anxiety for years and I know that I should tell someone when I’m struggling and reach out for help. But there is a huge mental block that often prevents me from doing so. And it’s not for the reasons that you might think.
Why Doesn’t God Heal My Depression?
I believed God could heal my depression and prayed that He would. What I learned is our prayers aren’t always answered the way we want them to be, but God still is aware of us and will give us help and strength.
10 Mental Health Memes That Help Break The Stigma of Depression and Anxiety
These mental health memes were created to help remove that stigma of anxiety, depression, and other mental illness. Sharing these mental health memes can make a difference. These memes highlight some of the main messages I hope the world can learn and accept.
Without Modern Medicine, Would I Be Here Today?
I wouldn’t be a mother without modern medicine. I experienced perinatal depression during my first pregnancy. I felt fatigued, sad, and unable to do many normal activities. I couldn’t see a future where I could be happy. My husband convinced me to talk to my doctor, and after a lot of resistance, I finally did.