MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS FOR MUMS

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS FOR MUMS

Depression and anxiety is something that can hit you at anytime.  Many women can experience these conditions during pregnancy or even years after as the juggle of #mumlife sets in!

It is still such a a “taboo” subject amongst mothers and can often make us feel isolated, ashamed, lonely and just plain lost as to who we really are anymore!

Becoming a mother brings such a wide range of emotions so it is normal to first feel times  of passing sadness, excitement, nervousness of the unknown and at times a little stress. 

All parents move through a period of adjustment when they first take home their beautiful bundle of joy while they build confidence and learn what their baby needs.

However, depression and high anxiety is more then this.  Let me explain below

 

So what is the difference between depression and anxiety?

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION:

• You feel hopeless and can’t see “the light at the end of the tunnel”
• Your thoughts are negative most of the time
• You look at yourself in a negative way… “I’m a failure”, “I can’t get anything right”, “Nobody likes me”….the list can go on!
• You find no joy in anything anymore

 

SIGNS OF ANXIETY:

• You feel nervous, restless or tense
• You have a sense of impending danger and/or doom
• You have trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other then your present worry.
• You have trouble sleeping
• You tend to avoid social situations as it triggers your nervousness and worry

 

MUM GUILT – THE CAUSE OF SO MANY MENTAL HEALTH BREAKDOWNS

With so many women giving so much of their time and energy to work, family & daily responsibilities they often neglect their own self care. 

Mum Guilt is truly a “thing”.  There is that constant tug of doing something for YOU and then wondering if you’re giving enough to your little babes.

I get you!  I have been there in the depths of despair after my 3^rd baby and felt like I wasn’t supported, I was neglecting my other children, the loneliness was immense and the shame of never feeling like anyone “got me” was strong.  What I wasn’t doing was any self care whatsoever.  I was still running my business, looking after my little family and recovering from a traumatic birth…..I forgot about me!

Sound familiar?

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms or feel you can’t do it on your own, that is perfectly ok and there is support groups that can help you.  A really great place to start is https://www.beyondblue.org.au or even start with your local GP and work from there.

You are supported and you are worthy of feeling great again.

 

IMPROVING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING

As I mentioned above a great first step is to have a chat with your GP and even ask for a referral for a therapy that will suit you and what you are experiencing.

Reflect on the relationships in your life.  Are the people in your life supportive or destructive? Connecting with those that are supportive and loving can really help with removing those feelings of isolation and loneliness.

I cannot stress enough the importance of self care as a mum.  What this can look like is:

• Focusing on getting quality sleep
• Getting outside and soaking up some Vitamin D
• Reading your favourite book
• Regular exercise
• Meditation or just sitting quietly for 5-10 minutes a day
• Fueling your body with great nutritious food that gives you a feeling of vitality
• Doing activities YOU enjoy

Is there something that you can implement in to your day today?

 

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER WHEN IT COMES TO MENTAL HEALTH

Often the very first step to take is acknowledging the need to take action. 

Acknowledging that it is OK to not always be the strong, nurturing carer for your family, friends and even your community. 

When you KNOW the most effective strategies for overcoming your mental health challenges (or invest in someone that can help you with this), you CAN reclaim your power and start truly enjoying a purpose filled, enjoyable life xx

 

Please always remember IT’S OK TO NOT BE OK!

 

LIPTEMBER – HELPING START THE CONVERSATION:

It’s time to truly raise awareness for womens’ mental health!

#liptember is a movement to help start the conversation, by popping a little colour on.  I have already purchased 2 shirts supporting this amazing cause.

Liptember is committed to supporting gender specific mental health issues for women.  With a gender lens place on mental health, research becomes more accurate and support programs experience higher success rates.  ~ WOOHOO, WHAT A WIN!

Check them out at www.liptember.com.au

If you are suffering from depression or anxiety put your hand up, reach out for help, contact the professionals that are there to help you.  YOU can reclaim your life again gorgeous!

 

In love and light

Danni xx