Real & Raw Post…

Real and Raw Post Ahead....

10-10-2018

[This has taken me awhile to muster up the courage to write and talk about... but if it helps one gal out there... it’s completely worth it]

This picture was taken in a pretty dark place, but there’s something so real about being vulnerable.

Sometimes mental health gets overlooked, overshadowed, and misunderstood.

Approximately 70-80% of mothers experience Baby Blues postpartum.

10% of women experience Postpartum Depression; and this is just those that were diagnosed.

[My exciting moments feel “grey.” My smile doesn’t last long and doesn’t reach my eyes. I feel an overwhelming guilt for feeling like I’m missing out on both kids’ milestones. I cry at the drop of a hat, for no apparent reason. I can’t put my thoughts and feelings into words and many times I just want to crawl into a hole. I’m irritable and snap at my 2 year old. She doesn’t deserve it, and I can’t put into words why I feeI I need to snap at her. My son’s sweet sweet coos don’t bring the joy my daughter’s did. Guilt again. I don’t want to leave the house. Ever. But I don’t want anyone to leave me alone either. I just want my husband to hold me but I also don’t want him to touch me. I don’t want to talk about it. But that’s the problem...]

We don’t talk about it.

We’re ashamed and confused.

Ladies... we NEED to talk about this. We NEED each other. We NEED our family’s support. We NEED help. We have to stop thinking this issue is taboo and can’t be discussed. Since I’ve started opening up to friends and family, I cannot believe the amount of ladies tell me their story dealing with these feelings. Alone.

Here are some tips to help ease this transition:

Talk about it. Open up. Help your support system help you put your feelings into words and comfort you.

Be honest with yourself about your feelings, and don’t be ashamed. You recently went from pregnancy hormones to breastfeeding and postpartum hormones. Give yourself some grace.

Pray about it. Relentlessly.

Surround yourself with your support system as much as possible, but also know your limits when you need a break and feel overwhelmed.

Eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid processed foods and anything artificial. These can reek havoc on mental stability.

Continue to take your prenatal vitamin regimen. I notice a night and day difference when I forget to take these. I’m currently taking: Mega Foods Baby & Me 2, Mega Foods Balanced B Complex, Mega Foods Potassium, Magnesium, & Calcium, Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA, and Flora Pregnancy Probiotic.

Get plenty of rest. (I know what you’re thinking... yea right) Be intentional about taking time to unwind each day and calm your mind.

Don’t play the comparison game. It’s toxic. Remember social media is a highlight reel of peoples’ lives.

Get some fresh air. Even 10 minutes a day of fresh air will improve mental health and clarity.

Ask for help. And don’t be ashamed that you need it.

Know that you’re not alone. Please reach out to me if you’re experiencing this. Be real and honest with yourself.

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