Let’s start with the truth. Motherhood is NOT easy. It’s the most beautiful thing sometimes, but it’s also the hardest thing ever.
Especially when you throw some mental health conditions in the mix.
But I’m here to tell you, mama, it’s gonna get better.
You are in the thick of it right now. Whether you are pregnant and your mind is racing with too many thoughts to handle, or you are stuck under a sleeping baby all day.
You might be pregnant and aching for your baby to arrive, or maybe you can’t wait for the next milestone to come so you baby will be just a smidge more independent.
You might be so traumatized from your birth that you are crippled, unable to do anything. You may be having panic attacks just about every day. You may even be having the scariest thoughts ever about your baby.
It’s hard to not wish these days away, especially when we are struggling just to survive. It’s hard to enjoy the day in and day out when we feel like we can hardly take a breath.
But I promise, it’s gonna get better.
It might not be tomorrow. It might not even be next week. But you will feel better soon, and we are here to help you get there.
It feels like I’m going to be like this forever.
I was talking to a very close friend the other day about just this topic. The fact that it feels like this pain is going to last forever. That nothing you could ever do would make you feel better. This is just how you are going to feel for the rest of motherhood, and it sucks. So much.
And taking the first step to starting to feel better is near impossible. We might not want to admit to ourselves, let alone anyone else, that we are struggling.
I mean, the guilt and stigma that surrounds maternal mental health is so real. We feel like we should be enjoying every second of motherhood and in fact, we aren’t enjoying any of it. We are depressed, anxious, traumatized, having scary thoughts, or unable to sleep, even though we know we need it.
But mama, once you take that first step to getting well, I promise you will feel better. And that step can look like any of the options below:
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Reaching out to your OB/GYN or primary doctor and scheduling an appointment to talk
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Start with someone you know – text a loved one and talk about what you are feeling
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Email/text/call Postpartum Support Charleston
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Find a therapist who is recommended for maternal mental health conditions
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Tell your partner that you need some extra support
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Join a group with Postpartum Support Charleston or Postpartum Support International
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Talk to another mom who might have experience with mental health conditions
There are lots of ways to get started. And I know it’s not easy. But, with each step, you are going to feel better. You are going to learn so much about yourself, you are going to gain confidence as a mother, and you are going to be able to advocate for yourself. Because you matter.
So, let me say this one last time, and listen up.
It’s gonna get better, mama. I promise.