“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.
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.
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.
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.
I have heard many reasons why someone may not be interested in seeking therapy throughout my years of professional practice and in my personal life,. There are many myths, misconceptions and fears about mental health therapy, and many reasons why folks don’t think they need counseling.
I didn’t realize the intrusive thooughts I had about my baby dying were because of prenatal anxiety. I knew that something was really wrong, but advocating for myself and learning to speak up more loudly was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Maternal mental health isn’t just about post-partum depression. Some women struggle with antepartum/prenatal depression, prenatal anxiety, and other disorders. You are not alone.
I see judgmental comments about parenting choices on social media constantly, ranging from what parents feed their kids for dinner, how and when they eat, and what parents should do differently. But remember we aren’t always seeing the whole picture. We are not snapshots. We are people. And most of us, really and truly, are doing our best.
Anxiety can often bring intrusive thoughts that become extremely upsetting. I talked about this in therapy and I left with a bunch of ideas to combat the negative spiral these intrusive thoughts bring. These ideas are based on how the brain works and are designed to take you out of the fight-or-flight mode.
The holidays are supposed to be the happiest time of the year. But what if they’re not? A heart-wrenching experience that I had a few years ago right before Christmas has forever changed what I think about during the holidays. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone.
Anxiety tries to tell me I must control everything. I can get so worked up by the smallest things and I am learning how to talk myself down. It’s a difficult process, but one that I’m learning is very important for my mental health. Here’s 10 ways that I speak truth to my anxiety.
