List of the most popular hashtags for theme #PERINATALMENTALHEALTH

Just a little friendly reminder

Before becoming a mom, you were carefree, less anxious, and spontaneous. Or maybe you were quiet, calm, and certain. You recognize this person you “used to be” and you can’t seem to find her. You’re on this journey through motherhood, and while trying to raise good humans, you long to be that carefree girl again. . . . Truth is, at some point throughout this journey, moms feel lost and disconnected from themselves. It’s natural as you become the life source for a little person that needs you, constantly. The former freedoms you once had to literally do whatever you wanted, those are gone. You no longer focus on your own needs because you focus on taking care to meet the needs of those around you. You try to live up to this unreal expectation of the “perfect mom,” when simply, she doesn’t exist. You find that you try to hang on to the old and familiar, as much as you can, when truthfully, your current reality doesn’t permit it. You’re battling mental health challenges that you never thought you would or that previously may not have been a problem. . . . These…things that occur, they may cause you to ask yourself, “Who am I?” . . . If this is or has been your experience, I’ll share some strategies to reclaiming a (new) YOU in tomorrow’s post. . . . What else would you add to this list of why mom may lose their identity?

So many mamas related to yesterday’s post so today’s post is an ongoing conversation about this very topic - identity. Today, however, I’m sharing some ways to rediscover YOU. I very intentionally use the word rediscover because after becoming a mom, your life transforms, and even though you start to become a new person, part of the old you is still there…somewhere. . . . I believe the journey of rediscovering yourself is ongoing, as our identities change with seasons of life. I don’t believe that you’re suddenly going to know who you are by incorporating some of these suggestions, but I do believe that by implementing some of them, you can start to integrate different parts of your identity into your identity as a mother. . . . So…stop comparing. Stop comparing your “old” life to your “new” life. Look ahead to the woman you are becoming and embrace her. Acknowledge that life is different, and that you are different, and that in all of this differentness, a human with passions and interests outside of motherhood exists. Set simple goals, like taking time alone for yourself, to find and intentionally engage in these passions and to sit with your thoughts. Finding new passions may often arise from engaging in something you once enjoyed.Doing something you once enjoyed may give you the opportunity to reconnect with yourself so that you can propel yourself forward. And finally, let your child(ren) see who you are as a person, outside of “mom.” Let them see that mom is MORE than just mom. . . . What has benefited you most during a time of self discovery? (It doesn’t have to be on this list). Taking time alone is a big one for me.

Can’t forget the 1 in 10 dads (and partners) that also experience depression after bringing home a baby. We’ve heard of dad expressing they wish they could have helped more, unexpected outcomes during birth (PTSD), sadness with returning back to work so quickly (sometimes as soon as two weeks!), financial stressors and burden, etc. This beautiful diagram (by @taylorkulik) shows a HUMAN truth: although we are experiencing different circumstances, feelings are universal. Depression, uncertainty, guilt, exhaustion, ALL of the above can be universal. #psiutah #maternalmhmatters #maternalmentalhealth #speakthesecret

Was I the only one that thought life would go on, business as usual, after becoming a mother? I thought that between nap time and bedtime, I would figure it all out. I never thought about the days when a child fights nap, or doesn’t feel well. I didn’t think about the difficulty in trying to merge two completely different lives. Better yet, I never even imagined that I would possibly have an internal battle between my “roles.” . . There are days when I want so badly to go all in on career opportunities and other days where I couldn’t imagine leaving my son for a minute. Days where I beg for a break and later rush back to be with him. Some days I feel like “I’m finally getting it” and others where I feel like a failure. Moments where I feel so alone and in the next moment feel supported. . . People will repeatedly tell you “the days are long, but the years are short.” What they won’t tell you is that some days you will grieve your old life—and that’s okay. It doesn’t take away from your gratitude or your overwhelming love for your child. It doesn’t change your thankfulness for your role as mom. It’s good to be honest with one another. Especially in an age where we can be dying on the inside and curating perfect pictures to show the world.

You're not a bad mom if...⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 〰️ You don't always love motherhood ⁣⁣ 〰️ If your house is messy⁣⁣ 〰️ If your kids have screen time ⁣⁣ 〰️ If your kids eat take out for dinner instead of veggies⁣⁣ 〰️ Your child throws a tantrum in public ⁣⁣ 〰️ You go to work⁣⁣ 〰️ You stay home to care for the family ⁣⁣ 〰️ You raise your voice⁣⁣ 〰️ You want time alone ⁣⁣ 〰️ You don't want to be touched ⁣⁣ 〰️ You don't always like to play ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ . . . . . ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Your child doesn't care about the messy house and they happen to love pizza ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Thank you for showing up and for loving them unconditionally ⁣⁣ #enrichedmotherhood

Motherhood is humbling ✊ • I hope you find some peace in knowing that it’s humbling for us all ❤️ . . . . . . . . #lactationcookies #lactationconsultant #breastfeeding #breastfeedingsupport #breastfeedingmama #fedisbest #normalizebreastfeeding #postpartumdepression #weaningbaby #breastisbest #womensmentalhealth #maternalmentalhealth #motherhoodunderstood #motherhooduncensored #maternalmhmatters #breastfeedingmom #breastfeedingproblems #lactation #healthymomlife #mybreastfeedingjourney #postpartumdepression #perinatalmentalhealth #postpartumdoula #obgynlife #toddlermomlife #toddlermoms #ppd #milkdrunk #motherhoodjourney

Despite what you may think, all of these emotions can exist at the same time. You can be overwhelmed, but grateful. You can be annoyed, but attentive. And all of those things still mean you’re a good mom! We want you to remember this: you’re definitely not alone in what you’re experiencing. Find an opportunity to talk about it with a trusted friend, support group, or therapist. Release any guilt you feel, and show yourself patience and grace in your motherhood journey. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Thanks for this amazing image @psychedmommy #psiutah #maternalmhmatters #maternalmentalhealth #speakthesecret

Mental illness can be crippling, but add in the extra layer of motherhood, and feelings of guilt and shame can creep up. You may be feeling this way, but now you also have to take care of other people, it’s not just you. Sound familiar? ‍♀️ We’re here to tell you it doesn’t always have to feel this way, and with help, you will be well. This is not your fault. A few places you can start: • Practice self-compassion with regards to your house; it doesn’t have to be perfect, or even clean today. Let the laundry go, let the dishes sit. • Do you have a trusted friend you can talk to? How about a doctor? A therapist? Or how about a complete stranger (try PSI’s phone line, you’ll talk to a mom who has gone through this - 1-800-944-4773) • Can someone watch your child for an hour so you can take a nap? • Have you had something to eat today that included fat and protein (yes, Chick-Fil-A counts )? How about water? Are you hydrated? • This might sound exhausting, but try going for a 10 minute walk outside around the block • Have you taken a depression or anxiety test? Do you know local resources and groups you can attend? Call @helpmegrowutah, they can help you with both! 801-691-5322 Know this: you don’t have to feel this way forever. There are people willing and waiting to help you. ✏️Image by @crazyheadcomics #maternalmentalhealth #speakthesecret #psiutah #realmotherhood #mywishformoms #maternalmhmatters