Mama's Daily Dose

How much time do you spend on "what ifs?"

It is accepted in our culture to continually ask "what if." But what if , these "what ifs" never even happen?

What are you missing out on by focusing on these "what ifs" and how can you bring your attention to the now and not the "what if?"

*Disclaimer: I am not a medical or mental health professional. I speak from my experience, research and knowledge.

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

"I felt totally crazy, but sane at the same time" - Meghan Q Barrett

When my PPA kicked in I would unconsciously go down this rabbit hole of "what ifs" and keep planning. It seemed totally logical and sane one moment and then next moment I felt crazy for spending so much time on a situation that hasn't happened and what I would do IF it happened.

When you get stuck on that anxiety side of the street it is so difficult to cross again. None of the cars are stopping and thoughts keep whizzing by.

One of the most difficult things I found about anxiety is that it does have a positive side, it brings some comfort and a sense of control. Even if just for a moment. And that is what I found to be so difficult about it as well, is that it was helpful for a moment.

*Disclaimer: I am not a medical or mental health professional. I speak from my experience, research and knowledge.

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

It is an extremely blurred line of mom worry and anxiety. It's difficult to know when you cross over.

To get a clear answer, I asked my therapist and she gave a solid answer.

If you are in need of mental health services please contact your doctor, midwife or mental health professional.

Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/
Has a helpline as well as local resources.

*Disclaimer: I am not a medical or mental health professional. I speak from my experience, research and knowledge.

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

It's amazing what our brains do. They just want to protect us! And that is what happens with PPD.

Studies have shown that moms' amygdala's (your emotional processing center of your brain) are more active in mothers that non-mothers.

But in PPD studies show that the amygdala almost shuts down. It's been on for so only that it just needs a break and shuts down to get some rest.

Find out how this is like your kid leaving the light on in your car!

*Disclaimer: I am not a medical or mental health professional. I speak from my experience, research and knowledge.

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

"I can control some things, others are out of my control."

One of the biggest lessons in motherhood (and life in general) is realizing what you can control and what is beyond your control.

Our brains like to prioritize fear because it loves you and wants you to stay alive. But sometimes, this works to our disadvantage in modern times and leaves us focusing on anxiety inducing thoughts that we do not have control over.

Where are you focusing your time and effort - on what you CAN control, or what is beyond your control?

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

You tried your best to set yourself up for success!

On the outside you had the partner, house, savings, all the baby gadgets...but this doesn't guarantee your success in motherhood. You may still suffer from overwhelm, anxiety, depression and a host of other feelings.

We are a society that focuses on having - having all the cool need things. But what we really need to focus on is "being."

Listen in on how to focus on the "being" in a society that focuses on having.

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

“(there is) a degree of anxiety and guilt in mothers that is unparalleled in history.”
 - Dr. Shari Thurer. 
When referring to the tension between urging moms to seek expert advice while at the same time saying that it all comes "naturally."

How confusing is that!?! Things are supposed to come naturally for moms, AND at the same time we are supposed to seek all this advice from experts!?! And many "experts" have differing advice. 

Now anxiety starts to set in because you don't know which way to go. You start searching on the internet and there are even more choices now and even more anxiety with which choice to go with!

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

We live in the safest world in history, yet we more worry more than ever!

It has become so normalized to constantly worry about your safety and the safety of kids that many moms don't seek help because "mom worry" is just normal.

When it becomes normalized to worry, live in fear and anxiety it becomes extremely difficult for moms seek help.

Let's normalize seeking help and NOT living in anxiety and fear.

*If you find yourself needing help please reach out to a medical professional or mental health provider.

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

How are a drunken night back in college and mom anxiety similar?

I know, they sound quite different but recounting both have extreme similarities!

You may be a little embarrassed from both, but they are compelling...you're drawn into the story no matter how gruesome the details may be.

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

Start your week with a Monday MamAffirmation!

"It's okay to NOT be okay."

You are not alone. Being a mom is difficult. It's okay to admit that things are hard.

It's okay to admit that you are NOT okay sometimes. We don't always need a solution for everything, sometimes you just need to admit that it is hard. We have all gone through these difficult times and will continue to. You are not alone.

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett

www.allyoumama.com
IG -@MeghanQBarrett