The joys of motherhood, all wrapped up with their attendant fears and thoughts of emotional trauma.
Unfortunately, a new mom will almost always go through some level of anxiety after birth, and this has always been a major point of concern to the female world.
At the slightest mention of the roles attached to being the ‘new mom in town’, it often does not ring the bell well with many new moms. A variety of factors often contribute to anxiety and depression in new moms, the most common being sleep deprivation, an individual or family history of anxiety, hormonal changes or a lack of social support.
For many first-time moms, the responsibility of their new role can be overwhelming. According to Doctor Samantha Meltzer-Brody, from the school of medicine, the University of North Carolina, “Anxiety attacks can both ‘come out of the blue’ or be brought on by specific triggers, especially if the disorder has been present for a while, and there are phobias about certain situations, like driving or being in crowds”.
Further, “All of these disorders may have a biological cause or predisposition, but many of them can also be conditioned, learned or induced by a belief or event…Stress can also be a factor that increases the likelihood of anxiety disorders” says noted Canadian therapist Cory Hrushka with Insight Psychological
For the new mom, anxious thoughts may come in different forms; thoughts like “what if this baby falls off my hands and dies,” ‘what if this baby is down with any form of sickness that I may not be able to cope with emotionally?”.
Sometimes too, you may be disturbed by the thoughts of the pains you went through while delivering. All these are normal in new moms. However, being able to come out of the anxiety and emotional depression should be the preoccupation of every new mom.
You’re not evil
To manage and come out of the anxiety, first off, you need to wake up to the realization that going through this does not make you bad, insane, crazy or weird. It does not turn you to a wicked devil whose main interest is to see how to get rid of the baby at the slightest opportunity.
You’re not in it alone
Acknowledge the fact that you are not in it alone; it’s not particular to you. It is a common occurrence in new moms and having this belief gives you a feeling that there can be a common solution when there is a common problem that is peculiar to everyone in your shoes.
Take a walk
Secondly, go for a walk whenever such depressive thoughts and anxiety set in. Take a walk out to some interesting places like visiting the beach, going to the cinema, walking out with your favorite pet. Take some fresh air outside, stare at the green leaves and appreciate what nature has to offer.
Take a time out
Also, you could reach out for help by calling a mommy time-out: Let your child have a little screen time while you rest for 15 minutes. Discuss and pour out your feelings to your partner, family members, friends or consider speaking with a professional about treating your anxiety. Remember, a problem addressed is half solved.
Get some rest
Sleep well when your baby is asleep – getting enough sleep is a panacea to easing off your anxiety as a new mom. Get in touch with other mothers who have once passed through same emotional condition, get tips on how they were able to overcome and who knows, the same tips might work for you too.