I’m going to drop a little disclaimer here that I am not a medical professional in regards to this post. I am just sharing what has worked for me through my journey with postpartum depression.
If you are new here, WELCOME! A few months ago I shared the events leading up to my diagnosis of PPD. If you have not read that post, you can read it here.
After I shared my experience, I received a lot of love in interest in PPD. Like I said in my previous post, it’s not a topic many speak openly about. But I want to shake things up a bit and talk about the topics that many don’t.
I felt like it would be beneficial to share what I have been doing to keep my symptoms at bay despite being on medication still. Although being medicated is assisting in healing internally, it is still up to me to create daily practices to strengthen my mind so I can wean myself from medication.
Reading
There are seasons where I want to be buried in a book. I found that it is helpful for me to read books rather than social media captions to free my mind from the technological hold we may be under. In my experience, it’s been most beneficial to read self-help books that are meant to relay positivity rather than negativity. Living a happy and positive life has always been the goal so I love to dive into a positive book. If you want to know what I have been reading let me know and I can create a post all about them!
Praying
Along the same lines of reading, I have been spending a lot of time in my faith. I know we all share different beliefs, but I have found it to be helpful for me to continuously keep active in my faith. I read my bible, complete devotional series and pray continuously. It has also been so helpful for me to pray for comfort and healing through my journey.
Podcasts/Music
There is nothing like listening to an interesting podcast or jamming out to my favorite jams. I have found that the type of music I begin my day off with sets the mood for the entire day. Some days I will listen to some old school hip hop and just jam to work and once I get there I am feeling like a badass ready to bust out my day. Other mornings I am in a country mood where I am feeling more mellow.
It all depends on setting the mood for the day. While working I will find a good podcast to listen to in the background while I work.
Support System
I talk to my best friend pretty much every single day. That being said, it has been so healing for me to just joke around and talk about random stuff with my bestie. It helps keep my mind positive and she makes me laugh all day so get yourself a support system. We literally send Tik Tok’s back and forth to each other all day haha.
Daniel is also my major support system I have with me everyday. Having someone whether it be a significant other, friends or family to push you through your day is so helpful.
Self-Love
Working out and eating healthy have been the best acts of self-love I have given to myself. It’s been extremely important to get myself to a point that I feel good about myself physically. This may not be something that works for everyone, but for me personally I want to look and feel my best. So that is why I have been intermittent fasting, making healthier choices and working out 3 or more times a week.
Other forms of self-love could also be working on a hobby that fulfills you. Mine also happens to be this blog. Helping others helps me mentally. Getting in tune with your mind and body to do things that make you happy are what also help strengthen your mind. Do things other than being a mom so you can feel like yourself.
Positive Mindset
This is the MOST IMPORTANT step to take when suffering from depression. Continuously practicing a positive outlook has been something major. We can easily fall into the rabbit hole of negativity. Looking at the silver lining in any situation helps so much.
I know at times it may be difficult to see the silver lining, but there is always one in any situation. That is the reason why it’s a lining, it may be small but it’s there. You just have to train your mind to find it at all times.
Please let me know if you guys are suffering from any form of depression or mental illness. I am always available to talk to anyone! Love you guys and stay safe!
