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?”
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.
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.
Prenatal Anxiety Nearly Broke Me, but It Also Helped Me Find My Voice
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.
When the Holidays Aren’t Happy
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.
Going to Therapy is My Self-Care
Depression sucks. It sucks because the way it affects you can change throughout time and circumstances. It’s a moving target. I recently felt my depression hit me harder than it has in a very long time and it taught me a valuable lesson about self-care.
Mental Health in Motherhood: Our Stories
Real moms share personal stories about their struggles with mental health in motherhood. Some women have struggled during pregnancy, post-partum, and during stressful times of motherhood. Other moms have long-term conditions that they have learned to manage and cope with. Find hope and validation in these stories.
Why “No Excuses” is a B.S. Motivational Phrase
NO EXCUSES: I absolutely hate this phrase. I exercised today for the first time in months. It was hard and felt great and I’m proud of myself. But during my workout I reflected on WHY I haven’t exercised much recently, and the difficulties I finally feel like I’m moving past, it reminded me of why……
What It Feels Like to Be a Mom Who Wants to Die
During my third pregnancy I suddenly plunged into a level of darkness that I never knew. Getting through each day became harder and harder and I eventually hit my breaking point. The conflicting emotions of depression and loving your children makes this struggle all the more painful.
What I Didn’t Know on Our Wedding Day
Eleven years ago it was our wedding day and we were on top of the world. Looking back now, I can see there was so much we didn’t know then. The big things, and the little things…we really had no clue.
