Meagan Gets Real

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It's time to get real. I am a Central Florida mom of two with a love for authenticity. Don't do this mothering journey alone. Find out how and connect with me: {more...}

Mental Health Resources for Moms

Apr 26 by Leave a Comment

There may be affiliate links in this post. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

Mental health resources for moms aren’t always easy to find. Many websites will offer postpartum resources and tips. While postpartum depression is an important thing for new moms to be aware of, mental health impacts moms at all phases of parenting. Having appropriate resources can be a game-changer! Here are a few of the resources I’ve found that could be helpful.

Mental health resources for moms that go beyond post partum support and offer help for other mental health needs moms have!

Resources for mental health

***** Are you in crisis? Before I continue, if you or someone you know is considering suicide please call the national suicide prevention helpline. In the U.S. the number is 1-800-273-TALK. Suicide.org has a list of lines for other areas in the world. You can also text the crisis text line. Text HELLO to 741741 to speak with someone. Right now, this post is not the answer you need if you are in the middle of a crisis. Reach out to someone who can help you. You are not alone.

  • SAMHSA – “SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.”
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline – “We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Phone number:1-800-273-8255”
  • 211 – 211 is the national United Way resource hotline. Call to find out what support groups and more you can find in your area.
  • Crisis Text Line -The Crisis text line is a crisis resource for mental health help in a crisis situation. Text HOME to 741741.
  • Nami Resource List – ***This resource list is a large collection of resources. I do not endorse the programs on this list. If there is one that is not a good one, please know that sharing this list is not an endorsement of their beliefs!
  • Depression and Bipolar Support Association – Find a provider or join an online support group to get the help you need. This website offers a variety of options for those struggling with depression or bipolar.
  • Domestic Shelters – Domestic abuse whether you have a mental health condition or not is never acceptable. Do what you need to get to a safe place so that you can get the care you need. This site will help you find a shelter in your area.

Don’t forget about virtual therapy!

One of the biggest mental health resources many moms miss out on is the invention of online therapy. Online therapy lets you see a qualified provider from your home on your schedule. This will allow you to work through your mental health struggles in a way that fits your life. There are also virtual psychiatrists if you need to add medications to treat your condition. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a virtual therapist.

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Postpartum Depression Resources

Apr 16 by Leave a Comment

There may be affiliate links in this post. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

Postpartum depression resources are so important to get your hands on if you’re having more than just a hard time adjusting. Welcoming a new baby home is supposed to be the highlight of your life. All the commercials and movies promote this magical experience. In fact, it’s presented as the most beautiful and life-changing moment of any mom’s life. Here’s the thing. It’s not so magical for some moms and that is OK!

Postpartum Depression Resources and tips for living with post partum for the mom who might be struggling. Includes free resource list!

Support for Postpartum Depression

***** Are you in crisis? Before I continue, if you or someone you know is considering suicide please call the national suicide prevention helpline. In the U.S. the number is 1-800-273-TALK. Suicide.org has a list of lines for other areas in the world. You can also text the crisis text line. Text HELLO to 741741 to speak with someone. Right now, this post is not the answer you need if you are in the middle of a crisis. Reach out to someone who can help you. You are not alone.

What is postpartum depression?

According to Mayo Clinic postpartum is the following:
“Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first — but the signs and symptoms are more intense and last longer, and may eventually interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may begin earlier ― during pregnancy ― or later — up to a year after birth.”

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

  • Depressed mood or severe mood swings
  • Excessive crying
  • Difficulty bonding with your baby
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
  • Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
  • Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
  • Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
  • Intense irritability and anger
  • Fear that you’re not a good mother
  • Hopelessness
  • Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
  • Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
  • Restlessness
  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks
  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Where should I start if I think I have postpartum depression?

Do you think you have postpartum depression? Start by calling your primary care physician or your OBGYN to make an appointment. They can work with you and help you to handle the health issues at hand. Postpartum depression is not a failure on your part. It is a medical result of a huge hormone shift. Speaking with a qualified medical professional should always be your first move.

Postpartum Depression Resources

  • Postpartum Support International – 800-944-4PPD (4773) – PSI’s toll-free Help Line in English and Spanish, serves more than 600 callers a month, and rapidly refers callers to appropriate local resources including emergency services.
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline – “SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.”
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline – “We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Phone number:1-800-273-8255”
  • 211 – 211 is the national United Way resource hotline. Call to find out what support groups and more you can find in your area.

Postpartum Depression Crisis Situation Solutions

Are you dealing with postpartum depression? Does it feel like you can’t cope! I remember that feeling all too well. I had postpartum depression with both of my children. There are some things you can do in the heart of a crisis to protect yourself and your baby. Before I continue, you are a good mom and this isn’t your fault. Here are some tips for when you are actively in crisis.

  • Make sure your baby is safe. – When struggling with postpartum, it can be hard to think straight. Put your baby in a crib or swing where they can be safe long enough for you to make yourself safe. Holding your baby while you are in crisis is not always the best move. Instead, get them into a safe position before doing the next step.
  • Call for help. – This might mean reaching out to a family member who can come help, calling a friend, or even reaching out to a crisis hotline. The goal is to help bring you out of a place of crisis so that you are safe for yourself and your baby.
  • Speak truth over your situation. – When dealing with postpartum depression it can be easy to think the absolute worst case scenario. This is the time to remind yourself of a few important factors. You are a good mom. Your baby does need you. You are not failure. You can protect and care for this child. You are enough! Say it to yourself as much as you need to but only AFTER doing the two previous steps.

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Back to School Tips

Apr 14 by Leave a Comment

There may be affiliate links in this post. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

Back to school tips seem like they are a dime a dozen anymore. Many people want to give you tips that prompt you to buy things. Others are just focused on quick ways to get kids ready to start the school year. I would like to take a different approach and share some common things kids need to succeed in school. However, I also want to talk about the things that will help you as a parent to thrive with back to school this year!

Back to School Tips to help you get ready for a new school year in the right way! Don't miss out on these helpful tips!

Tips for Back to School Season

Summer will pack in the memories and leave kids feeling the dread and excitement of the school year all at once! Spending some time now can save you time, stress, and even money later. I have some great tips for you and I would love to hear what you do to prepare for the school year if I’ve left it off of this list!

Start with the school supply list

When you start a new school year the school supply lists are a right of passage. Some teachers ask for the bare minimum while others write you a book. These lists will generally be released well before the school year begins. I have a few tips for making the most of back-to-school shopping. There are also some items you need to buy extra of!

  • Don’t go cheap on pencils! – If you spend good money on anything, make it the pencils! In this house, we’re Ticonderoga only! I won’t pay less for lesser pencils. You’ll end up paying more in the long run!
  • Pick a backpack with a warranty! – Did you know that Jansport backpacks come with a lifetime warranty? They will replace a damaged backpack! You don’t want to stress replacing it mid-year.
  • Go up a size on uniforms. – Kids grow fast and uniforms aren’t cheap! Go up a size if possible on things like shirts that they will grow into.

  • Buy more of specialty items. – Does your child’s school need an extra-strength mechanical pencil or specific styles of highlighters? These items aren’t always stocked in store year-round. If you think you’ll have to replace it at all during the school year, take the time now to order extra if you can afford it.
  • Buy items that aren’t on the list! – Are there items you will use at home that the teacher didn’t think of? As you are shopping for school supplies, make sure to include some of those items such as a stapler, printer paper, or even additional folders.
  • Plan ahead! – One of the biggest hidden expenses in the school year is the hidden expenses. I HIGHLY recommend buying a few pieces of poster board from your dollar store when you see them in stock. Many schools will surprise you at some point with a Science project.

Adjust your routine early

It can be tempting to try to squeeze every ounce of fun out of the summer months! I know we are huge fans of trying to find every adventure we can. However, it’s also important to adjust your routine to prepare for the coming school year. This might mean starting to go to bed a bit earlier or starting to cut down on tech time. This will look different for every household and only you can decide what your boundaries are for your home.

Have a conversation about goals and schedules

Every new school year is packed with potential. One of my biggest back-to-school tips for you is to take some time to look at your goals and your schedules. It can be tempting to want to join every club, be a part of every sport, and fill every moment. This is where an honest conversation about goals will be so timely. Here are a few questions to ask when adding things to the schedule.

  • What are you giving up to take this on? – Everything that goes onto the schedule will be a sacrifice of time and resources. When adding things on, it can help kids to learn that fact. Ask them what they are giving up. For example, joining track might mean giving up x number of days and many weekends for track meets. Helping them to understand the cost can help them to make the best choice for them.
  • Will it allow time for your main priorities? – In our home, the main priorities are homework, down time for mental health, and maintaining their chores. Have a conversation about what their priorities are. Ask how this added event/club/sport will take their focus away from their priorities.
  • Will it be a hindrance to the rest of the family? – Sometimes things seem good on paper but when you look at them through the lens of the entire family, the conversation can change. Take some time to discuss the family calendar and decide what will fit into it and what won’t.
  • How will it impact your goals? – As kids get older they will start to set goals for their future. It can help to look at anything new they want to take on and ask if it will align with those goals or keep them from them.

Make a plan for lunches

Whether your child packs lunch or eats at school it can help to make a plan for school lunches. It can help to include some fun things like Harry Potter lunchbox foods or lunch box notes like the ones you can sign up for at the bottom of this post! It can also help to focus on study skills and filling in any learning gaps.

 
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It’s time to get real. I am a Central Florida mom of two with a love of authenticity. You don’t have to do this mothering journey alone. Find out how and connect with me: {more…}

 

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