The Struggle Is REAL
Am I strong? Do I struggle? Do I follow the methods I tell others about in stress, anxiety, and depression relief? The answers are quick, I wish, and every day/when I remember, I try them too. But it's easy to forget that the person behind the words is a human who doesn't have it all together. We assume that the person behind the words has a perfect life and has figured it all out. But that's not the case at all. I don't have it all figured out, and I haven't seen perfection in anyone around me.
Image Credit: Naomi August
If you look at the lives of famous writers and famous individuals in general, you'll see that their lives are far from perfect. Writing the ending they wanted out of life is more likely what people get to read. Who wants to read reality? I know I don't. But some prefer to see the truth in every way, shape, and form. My thoughts on those people are that they are in the "Misery loves Company" mode.
So let's talk about my misery because I would love some company. Company in the realm of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. And those are just my main, easy-to-diagnose issues. However, what I have is nothing uncommon for a mom, but it's not discussed enough. Frankly, we expect so much out of parents and anyone when admitting a weakness that it can be easily turned into parent shaming and judgments of others. We are expected to suffer, but only in silence.
This year is going to be like the last, in that I have to change my perspective to get through the hardships the year will bring. Because the year will bring ups and downs. It may not be 2020, but that doesn't remove the reality from still being the reality we have all begun to accept... Anything can happen, and it's up to us to figure out how to do what is best for our families and ourselves.
As a mom, I know the struggle of parenting can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with postpartum depression and anxiety. It's important to remember that you're not alone and that it's okay to ask for help. Don't let anyone shame or judge you for struggling or admitting weakness. We're all humans, and we all have our battles to fight. Let's support each other and lift each other up instead of tearing each other down.
