This is What Autism Mom Depression Looks Like
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This is What Autism Mom Depression Looks Like

I’m not perfect. I have a slew of mental health issues. Most days I can manage. But there was a time in my life that I hit rock bottom.  Depression in neurodivergent moms is more common than you may realize. And, in fact, it wasn’t until I realized my own neurodivergence as an autistic and ADHD adult, just how prone I was to autism mom depression. And you never know when one of those moms is right next door. Sometimes we are just too overwhelmed to take that first step and reach out. Sometimes we are drowning in the every day chaos of our lives. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed with life that we just can’t take a minute to step back. I know because…

Common Signs of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Common Signs of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

In the past, I have tried to be fairly open about living with major depression. If you’ve been here before, you’ll know that it’s something I was diagnosed with at the age of 14. I also have (undiagnosed) anxiety and hypervigilance (which mimics PTSD). I have anger issues. I’m a recovering perfectionist. I had mild postpartum depression- twice. Can you relate? Even if you can’t relate to all of it, maybe there’s something we have in common. For example, postpartum depression. It occurs far more commonly than society seems willing to acknowledge. And though it was touched on in the past, today I want to talk about common signs of postpartum depression and anxiety. When does Postpartum Depression Happen? Though the term postpartum generally refers…

How to Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder

Chances are likely that you’ve heard of the term “Winter Blues” and believe it or not, this is a very real thing. Along the lines of postpartum depression; winter blues can come along once in awhile. But what about when it’s more than just winter blues? Is it really possible to become that depressed or filled with anxiety because of something as simple as a seasonal change? In short, absolutely yes. But, this is also one of those things that people don’t like to talk about too much for whatever reasons or another. Whether it’s because they feel embarrassed about it or they just don’t want to acknowledge it; seasonal affective disorder doesn’t get talked about as much as it should. Here’s how to treat seasonal…

How To Help Kids Deal with Stress
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How To Help Kids Deal with Stress

Kids have it so much easier than adults, right? That’s definitely what we’d like to believe. I mean, don’t you remember being in kindergarten and having playtime, snack time, and a nap? Kindergarten was the best! But, just because their lives seem like it’s all fun and games, doesn’t mean that kids are completely immune to stress. Some kids may have anxiety issues to deal with. Some kids may have parents who are divorcing. So how can we, as parents and caregivers, help kids deal with stress? Recognizing Signs of Stress in Kids -Physical Symptoms: Stressed children may exhibit physical symptoms, such as diarrhea, hives or rashes, restless sleep, changes in appetite, and /or nausea. -Emotional Psychological Symptoms: A stressed child may exhibit depression, excessive sensitivity, or…

11 Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

11 Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

Though the topic only seems to get attention when a celebrity comes out to talk about it, like Brooke Shields or most recently with Hayden Panettier, postpartum depression is a very real thing. And I think it’s unfortunate that it takes a celebrity sharing their story for people to really start paying attention to any sort of mental health issue. As someone who has struggled with clinical depression, I realized that the reality of postpartum depression happening was very real. After having Squeaker and V, it wasn’t something that I dealt with but after the birth of Sweet B- postpartum depression hit me big time. I’m not sure why that would occur with one pregnancy but not the other two. Or maybe it was just…

Overcoming Major Depression

Overcoming Major Depression

This post was originally published on August 12, 2014- shortly after the tragic passing of Robin Williams. I had used that time and opportunity to share my own personal story as this post as initially part of a series to introduce myself to my readers. Do you know someone who has major depression? Or maybe you are the one with major depression? Whatever the case may be, I invite you in today to talk about major depression. Mental health issues still face so much stigma and judgement despite increased media coverage. But that’s just it… it may increased coverage but until you experience it firsthand; you may still be prone to judging or misunderstanding someone with a mental illness. And since you’re at this blog…