What Do Mothers Need To Know About Postpartum Depression and Emerging Substance Abuse?
Motherhood is just so much more than we ever thought it could be. And yes, mama. It can be overwhelming.
But in a few cases, there is a need to numb our more oppressive emotions and turn to anything that brings immediate comfort.
For some mothers that relief can take the shape of alcohol or drugs in excessive use.
If the dependence on external substances starts to get in the way of everyday functions, it could ultimately lead to a path of addictive and even destructive behaviors.
Mama, let’s have a heart-to-heart about substance abuse in postpartum.
While Motherhood is about discovering our strength, it’s also about community and how we share our treasure trove of knowledge to grow and heal together.
Increased Stress In Early Motherhood
The mental load of motherhood pulls us in so many different directions. We can find ourselves deeply struggling with the challenges, especially given this past year. Just think about everything that we’re facing today:
Increased loneliness because of the pandemic restrictions
Isolation from family and friends
Little to no support at home
Drastic changes to our social lives and normal everyday routines
Difficulty having a work-life balance
Anxiety from pivotal social, gender, and racial issues throughout the world
Fear that you or your loved ones might get sick
Seriously mama, give yourself a big ol’ hug. This is an incredibly stressful time.
On top of it all, we’re still trying to find our rhythm as new moms in postpartum.
But I hope this shows just how strong we really are.
Our motherhood tribe is full of women from all walks of life - each with our own stories of joy, triumphs, and trauma.
Coping with intense emotions while isolating at home and having limited resources has driven some moms to find a way out from their postpartum reality.
Rather than accept what our hearts are trying to tell us, we turn to substances like wine or weed to escape our feelings. Every day, we look forward to the time that we can be released - even if only temporarily - from our suffocating anxieties.
And when things really start to break down, it can feel like an endless, repetitive pattern where things are actually getting worse.
Substances actually alter the chemicals and reward system in the brain. While substance use brings the intensity of emotions down in the moment, we might actually find ourselves more depressed or anxious afterward.
If it was evenly humanly possible, we’re left more exhausted than we were before. So we turn back to what made us feel better- what made us feel like we were in control.
Self-medicating with substance addictions is a vicious cycle.
It’s normal.
And it’s closely connected with Postpartum Depression.
Signs of Postpartum Depression
Our mental wellness is SO important. We prepare more for the arrival of our baby than we do about our postpartum care.
So when we become moms, the realization of just how much our lives have changed can be overwhelming.
And it can lead to us noticing when we’re not quite ourselves these days.
Our thoughts seem darker lately.
Or maybe we’re just going through the motions either feeling too much or nothing at all.
There are times when we’re just not able to recognize when we need extra support. Someone close to us may know us well enough to realize that something serious may be going on.
Mama, to prepare ourselves, we need to recognize some of the most common symptoms of Postpartum Depression. As always, please consult your medical provider as some of these symptoms can lead to other diagnoses.
Difficulty sleeping
Weight gain or rapid weight loss
Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
Social withdrawal
Lack of sex drive
Easily irritable or angry
Lack of interest in the baby
Feelings of hopelessness
Extreme worries or fears
Research has shown that mothers who suffer from Postpartum Depression, or those who were depressed during their pregnancy, are at greater risk to turn to substance use than women who do not.
The path to sobriety is a process just like the journey through postpartum. But recovery is imperative.
And it’s okay to make this a priority.
We deserve resources that help us get to a place where we can be fully present.
We deserve to have healthy coping mechanisms that allow us to acknowledge our feelings without needing to withdraw.
Mama, we deserve to be well.
Self Medicating in Postpartum
Just remember that external substances wear many different faces nowadays:
Alcohol
Recreational Drugs
Prescription Drugs
Nicotine
A moment of candid, inward reflection can help us identify when we’re truly relying on drugs or alcohol to confront (or avoid) difficult situations.
It can take all our strength to just make it the hour where we can take the edge off.
At times, other signs can help us understand if we have a problem. And it begins when we notice how desperate we are to change how we feel.
It’s when our friends and family begin to express concerns about our wellbeing.
It’s when we worry about how we’ll cope when those substances aren’t readily available.
It’s when our problems are getting worse, not better.
It’s when we’re having trouble emotionally connecting with our baby.
It’s when our tolerance for the substance has increased to the point that we need more of it to feel better.
We cling to the substance as if it were a lifeline just to get through the day.
Prior history of drug or alcohol addictions can also increase the risk of retreating into old habits.
There are so many issues happening in the world that have only exacerbated our personal struggles.
Yes, taking substances will take the edge off. Momentarily.
Self-medicating in a consistent and excessive pattern can create habits that do not serve us.
Now more than ever, it’s time to seek the ways that help us heal. This can come in the form of therapy, meditation, or even mindful yoga practice.
It can even begin with an honest conversation with someone that’ll listen.
Always easier said than done. But you know what?
It takes a ton of energy to push past the fog and heartache to say...I need help.
It’s not easy, but we’re in the driver’s seat. And ultimately, it’s up to us to protect our mental health. Let’s shout it from the rooftop, mama. We are not powerless.
It’s Time To Heal, Mama.
Let’s take a deep breath.
Admitting that we need more help during our postpartum doesn’t mean there’s a lack of strength. Actually, it’s quite the opposite.
This is bravery. It takes courage to come forward and commit to a significant change.
Noticing when we’re off balance can lead to us taking actionable steps towards restoration.
It’s all about taking the very next step.
And by doing so, we have chosen to prioritize our health for ourselves and our families.
We’ve chosen to heal.
Our team here at Bloome is working hard on launching a program very near and dear to our hearts: Bloome Recovery. We’re here to provide that much-needed support for our beautiful mamas who are struggling right now.
And you don’t even need to leave your home. We’ll meet you in a virtual capacity right where you are.
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