Stress has become synonymous with the holiday season. For those with a diagnosed mood disorder, the holiday season can be a time of increased mood shifts. Stress whether good or bad can cause a change. Being prepared is the best way to control the shifts so that you are not spending the New Year trying to come back from mania or depression.
Understanding the Value of Play for Adults
A recent post on Facebook of a toddler finger painting got me wondering; at what age do we decide finger painting is no longer an option. It’s not just finger painting, but what about playing chase, or jumping on a trampoline, or just lying in the grass watching the clouds go by. I’m not suggesting we all run off to Neverland and refuse to “grow up”. There is however, something to be said about the value of incorporating play into our lives.
Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety: Why Is This Happening to Me?
If you or a loved one recognize the symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety, the next logical question is “how did this happen?” According to the experts, there isn’t a singular cause. Following is a list of physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors which may contribute to the development. This illness not only affects women who have given birth but also pregnant women, adoptive mothers, women who have had a miscarriage or still birth, and even fathers can all experience their own form of postpartum depression and/or postpartum anxiety.
Post-adoption Depression
For parents who have chosen to adopt, a new baby or child represents a dream come true. . After the child is placed in the home however, new parents may be confused or frustrated when they experience feelings of sadness, guilt, anxiety, and hopelessness. Most suffer in silence, because of the shame and guilt of not being entirely ecstatic over something that was chosen and, in many cases, worked so hard to get. Research suggests a depression similar to postpartum depression can also be experienced when a baby or child is adopted. It is referred to as post-adoption depression and thought to affect between 18 and 26% of adoptive mothers. Adoptive fathers are also affected, but little research has been conducted to determine numbers.
Is this Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?
In fact, almost 80% of new mothers experience some form of “baby blues.” This is a normal emotional reaction beginning a few days to a week after delivery and generally lasting no more than two weeks. However, when your negative feelings take over and become more dominant than feelings of well-being, it is not normal. You may be like one in seven women who experience postpartum depression.
Postpartum Anxiety: The Hidden Disorder
Most people have heard of postpartum depression, a common illness that affects about 15% of new mothers. This isn’t the only mood disorder women can experience after giving birth, though. According to Postpartum Support International, about 10% of new moms have postpartum anxiety and about 5% struggle with postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Challenging Cognitive Distortions is like Shopping for New Shoes
Many cognitive distortions have established the rules governing the way we think and act. Cognitive distortions are like a pair of old broken down shoes. You have worn them for so long that they are molded to your feet. Change is difficult and means you need to be brave enough to try a different thought.
Begin Increasing Your Willpower Today
Willpower helps us live consistent with our values and long-term goals, we are typically more content and happy. Learning to recognize your own signs when you are stressed is one of the most important steps in improving your willpower.
Understanding How Willpower Works
Learning to recognize your own signs when you are stressed is one of the most important steps in improving your willpower. Sometimes simply remembering to stop and take a few deep breaths when overwhelmed or tempted can have a big effect.
Self-Compassion: Incorporating It Into Your Life
Why is it we say things to ourselves that we would never say to even our worst enemy? Harsh self-criticism seems to be the norm. But is it really helpful? Instead try a little self-compassion next time you think you’ve messed up.
