Mommy Has to Work

4 Common Mental Health Troubles in New Moms

July 26, 2019 By Anne

Being a new mom is no easy feat. Through the pregnancy, birth, and raising the baby, many mothers struggle coming to terms with all the changes. A study by the group Children of the 90s showed that anxiety and depression rates are up 50% in new and young mothers. Many of the moms in the study were unaware of their clinical depression and anxiety.

Motherhood is difficult. It’s no wonder that new moms struggle with mental health. They often neglect to take care of themselves when caring for a new life.

If you are a new mom, or you know someone about to become a mother, here are a few common and urgent mental health issues and ways to get help.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression develops immediately after the birth of the child. It’s very common, affecting nearly 20% of women in developed countries. It occurs mostly in underdeveloped countries. New mothers can struggle with the hormone changes and the sudden lifestyle that comes with motherhood. Depression of any kind is related to neurotransmitters and hormone levels: both are affected by pregnancy and birth.

The best treatment for postpartum is a combination of biological and psychosocial treatments. Professional help from therapists is recommended. Many licensed therapists even specialize in postpartum treatment.

The most important thing for a mother struggling with postpartum is a support system that encourages professional intervention as soon as possible. If however, as a new mother you don’t have that kind of support system around you, there are many other ways you can get help, perhaps by reading up on articles on rollingpaper.com to guide you. But it is also advised that you get professional help if you feel you may need it for this kind of disorder.

Bipolar Depression

This disorder is genetic, so mothers who have other family members with bipolar disorder are more likely to develop it. Like postpartum, it is directly related to hormone levels and neurotransmitter issues. Common indicators of bipolar depression are:

Drastic mood swings
Suicidal thoughts
Memory loss

There are many different treatments available. Bipolar depression cannot usually be treated solely with behavioral therapy. Seeing a psychiatrist is recommended, but treatments include medication, and TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), which offers many benefits in bipolar depression treatment.

Seek a professional diagnosis before pursuing any treatment for bipolar disorder.

Anxiety

All mothers are anxious in some way. However, some new moms feel anxiety about their new responsibility so much so that they develop an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is also related to hormone changes and neurotransmitter levels. Some anxiety is normal, but if you are constantly on edge or feeling guilty about everything, that could be a sign of something more.

You could try a tincture or boost edibles. A tincture is a concentrated liquid extract. For example, Delta 8 THC tinctures are made by diffusing a concentrated delta 8 THC distillate into a liquid base — usually MCT oil, hemp seed oil, or another vegetable oil. You will need to take on an empty stomach in order to get its effects as quickly as possible, if this is something that is particularly important to you.

If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, see a therapist. They may be able to give you a better idea of whether or not you are at risk for an anxiety disorder. This illness also tends to run in families. Treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, as well as things like meditation or microdosing mushrooms from somewhere like this magic mushroom dispensary for those seeking more natural options.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Wanting order is normal. Demanding order or being unable to operate in a condition that isn’t your perfect ideal is not. Performing certain behavior patterns can also be a sign of OCD. OCD interferes with your normal life, and often the behaviors extend over long periods of time. It’s often associated with preventing harm or mistakes, which is why it’s common in new moms.

OCD is usually treated with psychotherapy and occasionally medication. Your brain may be suffering from a lack of serotonin which could contribute to your OCD. Visit a therapist if you suspect any of your behaviors could indicate OCD.

Conclusion

Mothers have a hard job. It’s no wonder so many women suffer from mental disorders during pregnancy or post-birth. In fact, studies have shown that mothers don’t receive enough mental health support in general.

It’s important for moms to be healthy, for themselves and for the baby. If you are a new mom, make sure you have a good support system, and know that you have resources you can

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

Five Things Only Parents Of High-IQ Children Know

July 26, 2019 By Anne

If you are the parent of a high-IQ child, then you have a unique perspective on the world. Whereas most parents are used to feeling smart while around their kids, intelligent children have a unique ability to put you in your place. Check out the following things you only know if you are the parent of a high-IQ child.

You Don’t Need To Entertain Them

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Most parents have to continually provide entertainment for their children to prevent them from becoming loud and restless. But parents of high-IQ children have the luxury of being able to let their children get on with it. High-IQ children can find entertainment and focus all over the place, often in the smallest of things. Steve Jobs, for instance, spent the majority of his childhood tinkering with computers. It provided an endless source of fascination for him and gave him the foundation he needed to build a great company, Apple.

High-IQ children will spend their time reading, creating things, measuring stuff, and collecting.

It’s Hard To Find A Decent Education

Most educational institutions are concerned primarily with achieving “minimum standards.” Things like “no child left behind” are all initiatives which focus on bringing the bottom up. Public schools have very little incentive to push highly intelligent kids and get the most out of them.

Parents who do find a gifted program are in luck. These programs help high-IQ children expand their horizons and learn more advanced concepts across a variety of fields.

They Make You Feel Stupid Sometimes

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When somebody twenty or thirty years younger than you can solve maths problems that you can’t, it can make you feel a little dumb. Yet this is something that parents of highly gifted children have to deal with all the time. As a parent, you have to have pretty good self-esteem to cope with the brilliance of a child who seems to have infinite potential for originality.

You’re Always Gushingly Proud

Being a proud parent is natural. But you don’t want to take it too far. Parents who praise their children to the skies often end up with problems later on.

The problem is this: if children come to believe that the parent values them because they are smart, they’ll start focusing on that instead of the world around them. Kids who want their parents to see them as bright will often avoid intellectual challenges for fear of being “outed” as average. Children can also develop an obsession with being intelligent and have this as a barometer of their worth as a human being. If they fail at a test, then they’ve also failed as a person.

Parents of high-IQ children, therefore, know that it’s vital to praise their kids, but not to worship them.

You’re Never Bored

High-IQ children have a habit of exploring the world and discovering new things: stuff you never even knew was there. When there’s a high-IQ child in the family, there’s never a dull moment. You always have something new and exciting to talk about.

Anne

ARM & HAMMER™ Shoe Refresher Spray is a must to include in your Back to School Essentials

July 24, 2019 By Marijean

As the Summer draws to a close, arm your family with back to school essentials, including the ARM & HAMMER™ Shoe Refresher Spray.

This new formula keeps shoes feeling fresh while neutralizing ingredients absorb moisture and sweat. This spray is perfect for your children’s shoes when they go back to school this fall!

ARM & HAMMER™ Shoe Refresher Spray, $5.99

Eliminates shoe and sneaker odor on contact
Unique 360° targeted actuator sprays in any direction even upside down to conveniently spray where you need it
Sweat activated Fresh Guard® Technology refreshes and rejuvenates shoes, sneakers and sports gear
Safe for all types of footwear

The ARM & HAMMER™ Foot Care Shoe Refresher Spray is available in the foot care aisle at Walmart and Walmart.com

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

How to Know If Your Teen Is Using Drugs or Alcohol

July 24, 2019 By Anne

We all worry about our kids. It’s natural. We want to make sure they are on the right path.

Drugs and alcohol are the top concerns for many parents. What if your teen is using them?

It’s something that no parent wants to think about. If you’re reading this article, you might already have your suspicions.

We will discuss some things to look out for to know if your teen is using drugs or alcohol.

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms are one of the most obvious signs. Take a close look at their eyes after they go out. Are they red and heavy-lidded? Constricted? This might indicate they’ve been using marijuana.

Eyes that are dilated or have difficulty focusing might point to drinking. A red, flushed face is also a common sign of drinking.

Also keep an eye out for other symptoms such as:

Bloodshot eyes
Unexplained runny nose or nosebleeds
Shakes or tremors
Dry mouth (constantly licking lips)

Covering Up Evidence

There are many subtle signs that your teen might be using drugs or alcohol. Some of the most common include:

Unexplained track marks/bruises
Smells of marijuana/smoke
Soot on lips or fingers
Empty bottles
Missing medications/alcohol
Paraphernalia (lighters, syringes, etc.)

As previously mentioned, these signs are subtle. So you should also pay attention to ways your teen might be hiding them. For instance, are they suddenly wearing long sleeves during the summer? They could be hiding track marks. They could be using fragrances to mask the smell of smoke. Stay alert and take note of anything out of the ordinary.

Changed Behavior

Have you noticed a significant change in behavior? Don’t jump to conclusions right away. Teens are naturally moody.

Drugs and alcohol, however, can significantly affect one’s mood. If your teen seems excessively moody, this might be cause for concern. Personality shifts and failing grades can also be indicators.

Be aware of any secretive behavior. Are they lying about where they are going? Do they stay out way past when they said they would be home? They might be trying to hide their use from you.

Drug Test

Maybe your teen denies using drugs or alcohol. If you still feel that they are, you might have to do a drug test. There are accurate at-home kits available online.

Keep in mind that there are ways to fake-pass a drug test. For instance, your teen might know to drink a lot of water to flush out their system.

They might also know that it’s a tip-off to drug testers when urine is excessively clear. Therefore, they might take B-2 or B-12 before the test to give their urine a yellowish tint.

Searching Their Room

Should you search their room? If you feel it’s necessary, yes. Inform them that it is for their health and safety. Keep in mind that evidence might not be in plain sight. Be sure to check hidden spots such as empty candy bags or under loose floorboards.

Communication Is Key

Let your teen know they can talk to you. They shouldn’t be afraid to come to you with a problem, even one as serious as this.

Educate them on the dangers of drug use and alcohol. Especially if they start young, teens can be at risk for serious problems down the line. Addiction and potential trouble with the law are just two of the many serious consequences.

In most cases, you should just ask them. Have a healthy conversation about their drug or alcohol use. It’s important to make the conversation two ways, you don’t want to ostracize your child by demonizing them for their drug use, making them understand it’s wrong is the first step. If they express they feel they cannot stop, then you can look into treatment options such as those found at https://healtreatmentcenters.com/luxury-drug-and-alcohol-addiction-treatment-center/ in order to help them kick the habit, this can help them to build a stronger bond with you and avoid falling into drug use again in the future.

Anne

Making Life Easier for Your Child Who Uses a Wheelchair

July 24, 2019 By Anne

If you’re a mom of a child who uses a wheelchair, you may already know that there are some things your child may not be able to do like other children. Playing sports, getting in the car, or using stairs can often be more difficult.

Though these tasks can seem daunting, you should know that there are many options to make your life and your child’s life much easier in the day-to-day! Here is a list of 5 ways you can make the world more accessible for your kid.

1) Stair lifts

Obviously, having a home with a second floor can make any disabled person’s life more difficult. Your child doesn’t have to be left out of using the stairs, and that’s why many medical companies offer stair lifts to install in your home. This allows your child to move up the stairs automatically while sitting down.

Many stair lifts are made for steps with no corners or turns, but companies like Jameson Medical also provide a curved chairlift to fit your lifestyle. No matter what kind of stairs you may have, you can make them easily accessible for your children.

2) Specialized mattresses

While most mattresses are firm and flat, there are more advanced mattresses that are softer and can even help transferring to a wheelchair in the morning easier! These mattresses can relieve pressure on the spinal cord and reduce any possible muscle spasms.

Even if your kid doesn’t need a new mattress, you can also install guardrails to make getting up and out of bed a breeze. They can even serve as support to lean on, in case your child does have some mobility. Be sure to install any mattress or guardrails correctly according to the instruction manual, and you will be good to go!

3) Wheelchair cup holders

Something as simple as putting a cup holder on your kid’s wheelchair can help them in the everyday. These can prevent spills, and allow your kid to drink comfortably any time they want! It will also allow them to be able to move and still have their drink, instead of putting the down to move or in their lap where it can easily spill.

4) Cell phone holder

In the same vein, having a cell phone compartment on the wheelchair can help with ease and convenience. Most kids these days have a cell phone that they are particularly attached to, so this wheelchair accessory will be well used and loved. Your kid won’t have to worry about reaching into a pocket in their pants or holding their phone in their lap where it can fall.

5) Wheelchair gloves

If your kid is able to push themselves in their own wheelchair, gloves are a must. These prevent tearing the skin on the hands or growing hard callouses. These gloves often come with or without fingers, but all of them are padded for protection. They even come adjustable, for growing children, and in fun colors for toddlers!

Make sure they also have hand sanitizer on them at all times, to keep germs from the gloves or from the wheels from transferring to their face. Even if they wear gloves, hands can accumulate dirt or just start to feel icky throughout the day.

Bottom Line

The most important thing about having a kid or a teen that uses a wheelchair is hearing their needs and helping them adapt. There are in-depth guides on reviewing the top rated electric wheelchairs and what each excels at and what they don’t. Always be watching for little ways to make their life easier, and they will surely appreciate it. These 5 accessories and tools for their chair and your home will help everyone in your family live easier!