Self-Care
The birth of a baby is generally thought of as a happy event, which it often is. But childbirth and the transition to parenthood are also times of major physiological, psychological and social upheaval. It is exhausting and stressful.
The following links may help you to navigate this difficult time:
1. Mom Therapist, Mom Mentorship
Mother and maternal mental health specialist, Erica Djossa, pens helpful articles on postpartum depression and anxiety, hosts an encouraging and honest podcast, and invites mothers “to walk in health” through her Mother Up Mentorship program.
2. Practical Mental Health Tools for Moms
Dr. Ashurina Ream, better known as psychedmommy, addresses mom guilt and mom rage, helping you to navigate being a mom, alongside changes in mood, relationships, and identity.
3. Mental Health during and after Pregnancy
The British charity, Mind, provides in-depth information on peri and postnatal mental health challenges and management, and addresses topics often kept in the shadows. Mothers share their experiences, creating an atmosphere of empathy, supplying struggling moms with feelings of togetherness.
Pre and Postnatal Depression
As pregnancy and early parenthood can be a stressful time, it can sometimes be difficult to know whether you are just feeling a little down, or whether you have symptoms of depression or anxiety. For example, feeling tired, lack of appetite, sleep deprivation and anxiety can be normal feelings after delivering a baby, but also symptoms of depression.
If you cannot shake those feelings or you suspect you might be suffering from depression, please go and tell your doctor. There are many women who feel like you, and there is plenty of help out there to get you back on your feet. If you need more information or help you can contact:
- Any parent child center (Eltern-Kind-Zentren)
- The women’s health center (FEM)
- The midwife center (Hebammenzentrum)
- U!Shine Vienna, a supportive community and non-profit organization made up of caring individuals who are passionate about bringing the topic of mental and emotional health to the forefront of conversation in Vienna. They are not a substitute for any kind of professional counseling or therapy. They are not a crisis center but will guide you toward information on the mental and emotional health services available in Vienna.