As previously explained, this all began with postpartum depression. Having my son as early as I did sent me into borderline psychosis. So I can't stress this enough to all new moms, get help. The only shame in mental illness is not getting help. If you feel your baby blues are more than the "blues" get help. You have to push, don't allow your doctor to wait it out. Remember they work for you. Anyway moving on.
Unfortunately, one of the first solutions for doctors is pills. Prescription pills. Yes it helps. It's worth it in the beginning until a better and more permanent solution can come along. It needs to be temporary, this will only mask the problem. Mental illness is something that really doesn't have enough resources, understanding mental illness is the key to recovery. It has been a life long battle of mine and it has taken me 16 years to not only come to grips with myself but to finally get the proper medical attention I needed.
First and foremost your really need to analyze yourself and body. First look over your food intake. As food greatly influences the brain's behavior, a poor diet especially one filled with junk food is a common cause of depression. Our neurotransmitters regulate our behavior. These are controlled by what we eat, serotonin is a chemical that helps to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. Complex carbs help to release the amino acid tryptophan (produces serotonin), complex carbs are found in foods such as asparagus, black beans, chili beans, sweet potato, oatmeal, cheerios! Anything whole grain, starchy veggies and legumes (I like that word) contain complex carbohydrates. Maybe have the world is grumpy due to the atkins, and low carb diets. For all you competitors out there, I have done well without going low carbs on my comp diet! You don't have to remove carbs, this will set you up for disaster in the end!
This world has become dependent on convenience and fast food. There are days that I to am guilty of it. But I can assure you; you can build a clean healthy meal in the same amount of time that a fast food restaurant prepares your food. You can build a clean meal in the same amount of time it takes hot dogs and french fries to cook. There are two excuses I can not for the life of me tolerate, children and time. There are items such as a slow cooker, that requires just random ingredients thrown in that will be ready by the time you get home.
The key to children eating healthy, if they get hungry enough they will eat it. When they see you eat it enough times, they ask for it. Mine went from KD to tilapia and broccoli. Proudest moment of my life.....just saying. Then we they receive something like Mcdonalds - it becomes a treat. We all have our cheat days. It's helping them to understand that health has to come first. I'm not saying I have prodigy children, they fight with me on somethings, but they know to bite the bullet and eat what I give them. You want extra time? stop making separate meals for you and your children. Just remember you are the parent, you know whats best for them. Set yourself and your children up for success. They too will be facing a long life of depression and body image issues, nip it in the bud now,
Drop me a line if you want to talk about depression and the natural solutions to help fight and recover from it.
It can be a long and daunting road. You don't have to do it alone.