Mental health is so important as a new mom, but unfortunately, it usually gets put on the back burner. If you are a new mom, a mom-to-be, or even if you have been a mom for a while, do not put your mental health on hold. Pick up the reins and start focusing on it today. You will be a better mom by making sure that your mental health is being taken care of first! Here are a few ways to focus on your mental health:
Cut Down On Chores & Errands
Your baby will be napping, eating, and needing diaper changes on a regular basis. During the newborn stage (and ongoing, too!), you can reduce stress and improve your mental health by eliminating time-consuming tasks. If you love a clean house, ask a loved one to help you pick up until you have more time in your schedule. You can also consider hiring a monthly maid service for a temporary period – or longer. Other ways to minimize unnecessary errands include shopping online for baby clothes and baby supplies. Order your favorite styles, brands, and sizes of essentials like baby boy pajamas, baby girl bodysuits, and neutral outfit sets without leaving the house. You can also use a subscription meal delivery service, take advantage of your grocery store’s home delivery options, or use a digital banking app. Most of all, don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t complete a task. Your dirty laundry, unread mail, and DIY projects will still be there when you’re ready for them.
Think Positive
Being a new mom is both exhilarating and challenging. On some days, you’ll feel like you’ve accomplished so much, while on others, you’ll feel like you have no idea what you’re doing with your life. Remember that every new parent has the same emotions. After all, being a mom is an on-the-job training experience. While you give yourself permission to be a novice in the field of parenting, you can conquer your negative feelings by being your own best advocate. One of the best ways to feel better about yourself and your new life is to engage in positive self-talk. A universal theme of motherhood is guilt.Mom guilt starts during pregnancy and grows worse as friends, family, and the media fixate on perceived flaws in our mothering. Our love for our children makes us susceptible to our own second-guessing and ongoing regret. In fact, we’re especially vulnerable to feeling guilty because we want to believe that we have influence over our children. While you can’t do anything to avoid mom guilt, you can focus on positive self-talk and thinking to help battle the negative thoughts.
Know The Signs Of Poor Mental Health & Do Something About It
The more you know about the most common mental health conditions for new moms, the quicker you can get support. Most women will talk with their doctor about the signs of postpartum depression immediately after delivery and during their follow-up appointments. Some typical postpartum depression symptoms include feeling extremely sad, sleeping too little, or not being able to sleep. You may also feel irritable, have difficulty concentrating, or lose interest in your regular hobbies. If you think you may be experiencing postpartum depression, tell your physician as soon as possible. You should also be on the lookout for signs of clinical depression, common indicators of anxiety, or symptoms of a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder. Treatment is readily available and may include therapy, a support group, or prescription medication. Your doctor may also recommend a new self-care plan to help get you back on track. If you are looking for a support group or therapy, I highly recommend checking our Ray of Hope Counseling Services, especially if you are looking for a therapist Peachtree City! The staff at Ray of Hope Counseling Services have diversified professional work backgrounds and experiences which allow them to treat a wide variety of issues across the lifespan. The therapists strive to help their clients meet their life changes and challenges in a comfortable and supportive environment. They take great pride in honoring the privacy and confidentiality of each of their clients. Ray of Hope Counseling Services accepts all forms of insurance and Medicaid, has seven convenient locations in Kennesaw, GA, Smyrna, GA, Alpharetta, GA, Conyers, GA, Athens, GA, Canton, GA, Peachtree City, GA and Marietta, GA. Plus, online counseling makes it easy for people who do not live close to an in-person location. They say, “at Ray of Hope Counseling Services, we help you understand any challenges in your life and find the most effective approach or treatment for you. Our approach to counseling and psychotherapy allow us to provide our patients with a comfortable and supportive environment and an excellent level of care.”
