Standing Up for Mental Health 💜
When Simon Biles bravely and rightfully prioritized her mental health during the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, it started a global conversation.
What a powerful, visible reminder that it is 100% a-okay to put your own mental health at the TOP of the list, no matter the circumstances.
I believe that Simone is a role model for us as parents too, often facing high pressure situations—not just the Olympics.
If you are feeling blue, anxious, overwhelmed or depressed, you are NOT alone, there is support for you.
The transition into parenthood is both beautiful and also a rocky and filled with layers of letting go. Suddenly the care and well being of our new baby becomes priority #1 and self-care falls by the wayside.
While I love my daughters and I loved being pregnant, I was not in my element as a new mom. I was overwhelmed, lacked support, and at times I was resentful of this change my life had taken. Seeing my first born's sweet face was incredible and I also spent much of my days not being able to sit still on the floor with her and enjoy our connection. I was restless, stressed about sleep (those darn 30 minute naps!) and could not let in support.
This was hard to face given that I spent my whole childhood dreaming about being a Mother.
It was not until both of my daughters were older (18 months and 4 years respectively) that I realized I had been battling some postpartum anxiety. I had never heard of this term before. I knew about postpartum depression but my experience didn’t fit that description. What I have since learned is that postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression have many faces and forms and NONE of them are anything to be ashamed of.
If you are questioning whether this description fits you, this may be a good time to talk to someone. Postpartum depression is real and postpartum anxiety is equally common. There is support for this—whether it be therapy, medicine, naturopathic remedies, or acupuncture. You deserve to feel better. Start with taking one step towards that. Make a call. Make an appointment. One step at a time.
Parents Supporting Other Parents
I am shining a light on my favorite causes that are doing incredible work to support mental health for new parents.
When you purchase any of my classes, video classes, or consultations, you will have the option to donate a portion of that purchase to the Black Mamas Matter Alliance and the Blue Dot Project.
Together, we can support organizations that are doing incredible work to educate, support and inspire fellow parents to take on the role of a parenting feeling seen, heard, and most importantly, supported.
Join Me in Supporting
The Blue Dot Project
The BlueDot was created by Peggy O’Neil Nosti, a mom who suffered from postpartum anxiety with her third child who wanted to find a way to let other moms know they were not alone. Peggy created a subtle image of a blue dot and a silver lining to illustrate hope. The symbol is now being used in multiple ways to promote awareness and solidarity.
Learn more about the Blue Dot Project.
The The Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA)
The Black Mamas Matter Alliance is a national network of black women-led organizations and multi-disciplinary professionals who work to ensure that all Black Mamas have the rights, respect, and resources to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy. BMMA honors the work and historical contributions of black women’s leadership within their communities and values the need to amplify this work on a national scale.
