Already it is May 3, 2022, and Day 3 of Mental Health Awareness Month. Time is steadily moving, Covid cases are rising, yet the world is eager to end the ‘in pandemic‘ state that we have been in for far too long, and seasons are resisting to change from one to the next. All of this is fact, and we have no control over any of it. The only thing we can control is ourselves. We can control how we behave…how we react…how we respond to certain people and things. We are in control if we are indeed routinely caring for our minds, are in tune with our mental health, and actually do what is needed to strengthen our body and minds and make the best of our situation. We must always remember to focus on becoming a better verion of ourselves and not a perfect version. God loves us in spite of our imperfections. I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
With the Covid cases rising, and trying to keep new borns safe, new moms are really struggling and trying to figure out how to handle social distancing, isolation, and overall disifecting in order to protect themselves, and keep their babies healthy and germ free. Some new mothers may feel as if they are being paranoid, some as if they are not doing enough, however, when caring for this tiny new life it can become stressful and worrisome, or the new mom may become anxious or depressed. With many of us during Covid, we have struggled with being alone and not knowing how to cope. Imagine how a new mom would feel; especially being a first time mom, not having assistance because of Covid and things are out of your control.
Being in this situation may cause feelings of sadness, fear, anxiety and even anger. These feelings occur approximately three days after childbirth and last for about two weeks. This is what is referred to as Baby Blues. Similar to Baby Blues, postpartum depression may result from a combination of physical changes and emotional stress. The sudden change in hormone levels from the time a woman is pregnant until the time of birth is believed to play a role in the development of postpartum depression (PPD). Unlike Baby Blues, PPD symptoms begin approximately one to three weeks after giving birth and can last for nearly a year. In addition, medical experts believe that low thyroid hormone levels, a lack of sleep, and drug/alcohol misuse play a factor. When you think about it, these factors come into play with individuals who suffer from depression anyway. It makes sense that a woman whose body has undergone a sudden change such as childbirth would be subject to feelings of depression.
Based on research, some of the emotional factors related to postpartum depression, are stressful experiences that women may encounter during pregnancy. The more stressful the pregnancy, the more likely the new mom will develop postpartum depression. Some of the stressors may be a death, stressful finances or a recent divorce. Again, all things that would be stressful to someone not pregnant. Adding a new baby into the mix can only make the feelings worse. My first-hand experience with postpartum depression was real. During my first marriage, after having my oldest two children, I experienced severe PPD due to failing at breastfeeding, financial stress and at the time, there was someone close to me battling addiction. All of these stressors greatly affected my thought process and my ability to care for myself. In addition, I doubted myself as a mother.
Although PPD in not considered a mental illness, if left untreated for too long, it can turn into long term depression and become a mental illness. Therefore, it is imperative that we use our doctors as our main resource. Talking to our medical professionals who are paid to care for us is extremely important. My doctor recognized that my symptoms lasted too long. Thankfully, I was able to get help. We cannot allow fear…THE STIGMA to prevent us from caring for our mind. We are not alone. If we share our thoughts...our fears…our tragedies…our triumphs… we can get through this mental health challenge one day at a time.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Defy the Stigma of Mental Illness!
Dying to be Perfect 