“I didn’t want my son to have a meltdown when I was out because I didn’t know if I could handle it”
Unlike most of us, Rebecca Anderson was prepared for postpartum depression. She had struggled with depression most of her life. So, when she fell pregnant with her first baby she put in place mental health measures that most mums don’t even think about.
“I thought I had everything planned out, if things were to go south with my mental health again”
However, postnatal depression was nothing like she had experienced before.
“It was completely different to what I experienced for the 15 years prior to becoming a mum”
In this episode Bec shares with us her story of deep depression and anxiety, and how she attempted to take her own life. She shares how her depression has affected her motherhood journey, and techniques she uses along the way to help support herself.
Bec is a wonderful, bubbly woman. You wouldn’t know she experiences depression by looking at her, or talking to her. Which is why this episode is so important.
Often mums (and dads) can suffer depression after having a baby, but are too afraid to ask for help.
In this episode of The Tough Mothers Podcast and Tough Mothers TV you will learn:
- ✓ Why it is so critical to speak up if you are not feeling OK
- ✓ How common it actually is to struggle in motherhood
- ✓ What you can do about it
Hear the full episode. Simply click on your favourite podcast app.
Or hit play and watch the full episode on YouTube.
The important take-aways from this episode are:
- Postpartum depression and anxiety can be different to any other depression you have experienced before Podcast [3.48], TV [3.18]
- Know your triggers Podcast [8.08], TV [7.38]
If you know what will trigger you to spiral, you can actively avoid those things as well as put in place strategies for what to do when you are triggered.
- Have outlets / releases Podcast [9.22], TV [8.52]
Whether it is exercise, socialising, writing, reading or me-time. Know what works for you to let you take a breath and step away from your situation.
Outlets are imperative in motherhood
- Breastfeeding can be really hard Podcast [11.30], TV [11.00]
If you want to breastfeed your baby, please remember that breastfeeding can come with its own challenges. Be realistic that it might be harder than you think. Don’t put pressure on yourself. You, and your mental health, are also important in your breastfeeding journey. There is nothing wrong with formula, if it means both you and your baby thrive.
“As soon as he went on formula, I felt I was 20kg lighter.”
- One of the leading triggers of postpartum depression is that mothers have high expectations of themselves Podcast [11.30], TV [11.00]
We must take the time to set realistic expectations for our motherhood life. Ones that are specific to us, our family and our biology.
The Tough Mothers Motherhood Preparation course helps you plan this.
- The most important question that needs to be asked in motherhood Podcast [16.47], TV [16.17]
Please ask it often. Out loud and in your head.
- Struggling in motherhood is more common than you think Podcast [16.47], TV [16.17]
You are not alone. That’s why it is so important to share your truth and your story with other mothers. You never know what someone is going through until you speak to them. talking can help you, and them.
“Every mum has something going on in her life that she doesn’t talk about.”
- The importance of building up a support network before your baby is born Podcast [24.11], TV [23.41]
It takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a village to raise a mother. Please look at creating your village before your baby is due.
- How to ask for help when you are afraid or feel you are not “bad enough” – and why this is so important Podcast [24.55], TV [24.25]
There is no such thing as “bad enough”. If you are not feeling OK please ask for help.
- Dads can struggle during the postpartum period too Podcast [28.18], TV [27.48]
Around one in ten men will experience postnatal depression. We must keep an eye on them, and encourage them to speak up.
- Techniques that worked for Bec during her postnatal period Podcast [30.53], TV [30.23]
Create your own toolkit of techniques that help you when you are not feeling ok. It is best to create these strategies when you are in an good state of mind. The Tough Mothers Motherhood Preparation course can help you with this.
- What Bec wants every mum to know Podcast [38.55], TV [38.25]
Motherhood struggles can make women stronger and more confident. Be kind to yourself and others
I would love to hear from you
What insights did you have when you watched this episode?
How could these potentially change your motherhood experience and life?
Leave a comment below and tell us about it! Many mums come here to find support, and your experience or story may help one of them.
Who is one person that would benefit from watching this episode? – Share it with them through the icons at the top of this article 😉
SUBSCRIBE, REVIEW and WIN
Be sure to subscribe to The Tough Mothers Podcast or Tough Mothers TV .
And YOU CAN WIN!
Leave a review for the podcast or on my YouTube channel, as I draw a random reviewer each month to win an amazing Tough Mothers gift.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Get all the motherhood support at our village.
Mentions in this episode
The book: I Wish Someone Had Told Me… – unspoken truths about what really happens to women during labour, childbirth and the first few weeks of motherhood
https://www.ToughMothers.com/books
Gidget Foundation Australia
https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au
Mental Health Support Services
If the topics in this episode are triggering for you, or if you feel you need support, please contact you doctor or local mental health line.
In Australia: www.healthdirect.gov.au
In New Zealand: www.mentalhealth.org.nz
In the USA: www.mhnational.org
In the UK : www.mind.org.uk
In Ireland: www2.hse.ie
In South Africa: www.safmh.org.za
If your country is not listed please search “Mental Health Line” in google in your country.
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