I opened up a few weeks ago about my struggle with postpartum anxiety. You can read that here and learn a little bit more about my journey. I wanted to share with you how I manage my anxiety and what works best for me and my family.
When I was told that I have severe postpartum anxiety I wasn’t even sure where to start. I knew about postpartum depression but anxiety is a topic so closely related yet never spoken about. I had to find ways to keep the intense thoughts out of my head while caring for my son, along with keeping communication open with my husband.
Therapy – The Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Louisville was absolutely phenomenal. I could not have asked for better care before, during and after my sons birth. When I started to realize around 6 months postpartum that I was having mental health issues, I immediately contacted my OB office. They gave me a list of contacts and I started scheduling weekly therapy sessions. Therapy is never something you should be ashamed of. I find this block of time to be crucial and we discuss issues as to why I have these thoughts in my head, how to manage them and how to continue on a path of keeping the thoughts out of my mind.
Writing – This blog has been a space for me to journal and write about topics that bring me joy. As some of you may know, fashion is my background, so I find the creative process in designing mood boards and styles very calming. Now that I have found a niche for my blog, writing about postpartum depression and anxiety is a way for me to process my feelings. I believe writing in a journal is a great key to growth.
Self-Care – This can come in many different forms. A few great examples are; exercise, meditation, praying, retail therapy, spa day. My family is busy. It is so important for me to utilize my time alone. During the day I’m usually working or cleaning up the house. Evening is when I focus on my blog. So I’m sure you’re asking “where does she ever have time to herself?!” Well it’s few and far between. BUT – I’ve made a commitment to be verbal in my needs. If my husband has a day off, I try to schedule a mani/pedi or retail therapy for myself. Having 2 hours alone is an AMAZING turn around in my mood and overall functionality as a human being.
Hearing the words Depression and Anxiety can be very overwhelming. It is important for me to take baby steps so the overall picture can come together that my family is happy and healthy.
Do you struggle with depression and anxiety? I would love to hear your story! Please know this is a judgement-free zone and would love for you to have a support system in MotherhoodandMay.com!
P.S. Take a look at my post a few weeks ago – My Work-at-Home Mom Routine
The struggle is real. Great tips to help self care is something I need to be better at
Self care is so important and something so many of us struggle with. Thank you for the reminder about why it’s so important.
Self care is so important! I’m slowly getting better at making sure I take that time for myself when I need it.
Great advice! I’m due with our 3rd in July and I’m gonna need this kind of support!
I’m due July 14th!
Thank you for sharing! Post-partum anxiety is a pretty new description of what many of us felt after becoming moms. It’s always comforting to know that we are not alone and that it is completely different than post-partum depression. No one really understood what I was going through, but it’s definitely real.
I see you’ve mentioned self-care – it’s great. Many new mothers forget about themselves after the birth of a child.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Kelsey. This is very valuable.