I learned a lot about mental health at a young age by watching my mom suffer from losing her dad to mental illness and then suffering from her own severe mental illness. In my experience, mental illness was that: severe, debilitating and unmanageable. NOPE. It’s all around us and in most cases, you’d probably never know someone was suffering unless they told you. Anxiety and PPD are both things I’ve struggled with which might seem unbelievable because I’m always smiling in photos. Heck, even a doctor told me, ‘you seem fine. I mean, you’re smiling’ when I asked for help with PPD. I quickly got a new doctor a bunch of coping mechanisms that might help you or someone you love if they’re having a rough go of it. If not you, chances are you know of someone who is. The World Health Organization reported in 2001 that about 450 million people worldwide suffer from some form of mental disorder or brain condition and that one in four people meet criteria at some point in their life. Here are some ways I’ve learned to cope with low-grade anxiety and PPD.
🧠 Workout: Easier said than done, but exercise relieves stress and naturally helps with anxiety and depression by boosting endorphins. This has hands down been the solution with the most noticeable benefits for me. When I find myself over-stressed and on edge, I try to get moving as I feel better immediately after a workout.
🧠 Build community: I basically force my friends to talk to me at least once a day. They are my other FAMILY and being there for them gives me purpose and I srsly couldn’t do life without them. I meet with friends (and mine/Kaare’s family) often and put them above everything else. ⠀
🧠 Say YES to drugs: I have a prescription to help with panic attacks that I take when absolutely necessary and also use CBD drops on the reg. Don’t be afraid of Rx, talk therapy, life-coaches, spiritual guides, etc. I’ve done it all and it’s all been super helpful as a holistic approach to dealing with anxiety and depression at the various degrees I’ve experienced them both. ⠀
🧠 Stay positive. Try to find the silver lining or the lightheartedness in everything – even death has one. It sounds crazy to some, but you HAVE to look for the good and focus on it with the determination of a hungry shark to avoid seeing all the negativity. I have this written by my desk and it serves as a great reminder: Wherever there are shadows there is always a source of light. I cherish the light and love that constantly surrounds me. -Miranda Kerr
🧠Self-care: For most of us (especially fellow moms out there reading) self-care is last on your list of things to do, but that comes at a major cost. Not taking care of your self leaves you run down and can make you even more anxious or sad. Take it from me! Make time for a facial or massage once every month or two; even if that means you’re doing it at home after the kids go to bed. Sneak workouts in more often if you can – that’s totally self-care and it’s the gift that keeps on giving (I’m looking at you endorphins).
