by Kelly Martin, M.Ed, LPC
Owner, The Playroom Lubbock
Guest Contributor
In the wake of Mother’s Day, we need to talk about something. Let’s get raw and real. You, mama, may be feeling the intense and overwhelming feelings of motherhood coupled with exhaustion and fears. Life after the birth of your baby, and even life several months or even years after birth, is not quite like you expected or hoped it would be. For most moms, sad or anxious feelings come and go. Even the most upbeat mom can experience low days. So how can we know if our sadness or anxiety or fears are something more serious? What should you do if you’re depressed or anxious?
You are not alone.
Hope and healing awaits.
Please consider these 3 things if you have the feeling that something just isn’t right.
1. Read this article. It includes a quiz to differentiate between a case of the blues or depression. It will also provide guidance on lifestyle changes and what you can do to pull you out of a funk.
2. Consider connecting in a care group with other women with similar experiences here.
3. Email postpartumlubbock@gmail.com to inquire where to start. Another Lubbock area momma on the receiving end of that email will respond to you, will hear you, and can help guide you to resources if needed.
It’s a family affair.
While many mothers suffer in silence with depression or anxiety after the birth of a baby, what is also not mentioned is that dads can also experience postpartum depression (PPD). In a significant number of households affected by PPD, both adults are suffering together.
Children of depressed parents have a heightened risk of emotional, intellectual, or behavioral problems. Developmentally their brains are very malleable as they learn motor skills and language. Their brains are growing neural connections, strengthening used connections, and shrinking neglected connections. The anxiety, frustration, and emotional strain caused by depression make a child’s brain more vulnerable. These conditions can impact a child even years down the road.
And yet, still hope.
Fortunately our brains are adaptable and moldable, meaning neural connections in the brain can be rewired through new experiences, new relationship connections, and healthy interactions with parents.
Taking a step…
If you recognize in yourself or in someone else the depression, anxiety, disturbing and intruding thoughts, or compulsive and irrational habits forming, please read the above article, connect with others who will understand, and email postpartumlubbock@gmail.com.
Kelly Martin is a Licensed Professional Counselor, parent, and owner of The Playroom Lubbock offering therapy counseling services specifically for children and adolescents. From individual and group Play Therapy to yoga and parent-included classes, Kelly and her team offer a wealth of support for local kiddos and parents. Specialties include divorce care, self esteem, social skills, anxiety, grief, anger management, ADHD support… topics that hit home with many area kids and families. Have questions or ideas for future blog topics? Just comment below or you can contact Kelly directly at kelly@playroomlubbock.com and through her website at Playroomlubbock.com.
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