This blog was created to allow those who are experiencing or have experienced postpartum depression personally or know someone who has to come together, share, and have a voice.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Discussion
I would like to start an open forum with a couple questions and any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated! Beyond seeking professional help:
What are some relaxation techniques you use to help lessen anxiety?
What are some activities that can be used as distraction techniques?
Sarah, One relaxation technique I like to use is visualization and deep breathing. I try to visualize leaves falling from trees and into a river that gets washed away. It helps keep stress at bay! Sue Matson
Oh that visualization brought me back to a few years ago. I tried to attach a picture but I don't think that is possible in this format. A few years ago while visiting my daughter and her husband in Seattle we drove to Sequim. While there we visited Railroad Bridge Park, an old wooden bridge. It was in late October and huge maple leaves of all colors were falling and gliding throughout the air. The most serene place I think I have ever been. So thankful for those memories.
Suzanne I think that utilizing visualization and deep breathing are wonderful suggestions for relaxation. Sometimes just imagining you are in that happy place can make the world of a difference.
Lynnette, that sounds like such a beautiful visualization and I can see why you would want to pick that as a relaxation technique. Thank you both for sharing!
Sarah, I like to imagine myself sitting on a balcony looking out over the ocean, closing my eyes and hearing the waves crash against the sand. I breathe In the fresh air and feel my stress literally wash away.
April that sounds beautiful and I would pay big money to be in a place just like that! I am a beach person myself so I would have to say sitting on a sandy beach would be able to assist with my stress levels.
Melissa, I also utilize walking as a way to refocus! Sometimes it is challenging to do with all of the pressures of school, work, and family, but truly I can be better at everything else if I give myself that time. Dawn
Melissa, I can see how taking long walks after a stressful day can help. It forces you to remove yourself from pretty much everything else and can just focus on walking, breathing, and thinking.
Sarah, I find that walking is a great way for me to relax. I also have a favorite scripture that I read to remind me to relax and give the things I can't change to someone who can! Great discussion! Dawn
Dawn, I also enjoy walking outdoors and feeling the wind on my skin washes away my stress. I too have a favorite scripture that I have to repeat to myself during times when I'm dealing with a lot of stress and it brings me back to reality that I am not alone!
Dawn I think that walking is a favorite among my bloggers and I also think that reading your favorite scripture is not only special but a great way to refocus your thoughts!
Sarah, I like reading novels, which allow me to escape my present stressors and I can imagine being somewhere else. I also love walking in the park where I can look at the lake and that helps me relax.
Gayla I also love to read novels! That in my opinion is such a downfall of being in school because the free time I would use to read a fun book is instead used reading textbooks. One day soon I keep reminding myself I can read "fun" books again!
Sarah, I've found that working out three to four days a week has lowered my stress level and my anxiety level. I also like taking deep breaths to help relax me. Leticia
I find that exercise helps too but its hard to find the time. With work, school and family its a challenge. But it is a wonderful way to reduce stress and to keep physically fit!
Leticia that is wonderful that you are able to change from working 4 to 3 days and that it has made an impact on your stress and anxiety level!
Gayla, I would have to agree that even though it is not my favorite, exercising also can help with anxiety I may be experiencing.
Suzanne, I am 100% with you that with work, school and family it is VERY hard to find the time to exercise; even though after every work out I automatically feel so much better.
My best relaxation technique is to fill a tub full of steaming hot water, grab my kindle, and soak as I read for an hour after work. I get out feeling like a completely different person.
Kelly, I like your relaxation technique, it's nice when you can just get away from everyone and everything for a small bit of time and unwind. It's great.
When I am experiencing acute anxiety I try to focus on my breathing. I think a lot of my problems when I am feeling anxious are stemmed from me not breathing properly, which only exasperates my issues. I also think working out and getting enough sleep are very important to me feeling mentally healthy. Unfortunately, with my work schedule these last two can be kind of difficult.
Julie, I would have to say that focusing on breathing can be very calming especially during moments of extreme acute anxiety. I also agree that sleep can be a great factor with regards to feeling mentally healthy. Thank you for sharing!
What a great topic to have for a blog. This is something that touches so many women and families. Often, they don't even recognize it in themselves. I have a dear friend who was going through this. The changes were subtle and even though she is a nurse, she never really considered this. I pointed out my concerns to her and she is doing great after addressing this with her physician. I never considered relaxation techniques for reducing stress and anxiety. Your blog is off to a great start.
Bryan thank you for sharing about your good friend and her experiences with PPD. It must be so difficult especially when the changes might be very subtle as you described with your friend. Thank you!
I have always found a good book and a comfortable place to relax as a stress relieving activity. I am currently expected my first child and enjoyed reading different peoples stress relieving techniques, hopefully I can use some after my baby comes.
Congratulations on expecting your first child. It can be such an exciting time in one's life. I thought having children was great, but have found out that having grandchildren is even better. Best wisthes.
Taking slow deep breaths can help with anxiety. Watching my favorite show on television helps to distract me for my own problems, but have to be an upbeat program.
Shelia, one of my weaknesses in life is definitely TV. I have several favorite TV shows; however they provide a sense of relaxation to me if I have had a bad day or am experiencing stress.
Depression can always be a difficult thing, but with a new baby it must be even harder. I've had 4 children myself and never experienced this, but I find that there are times when I just need a little time alone, having someone who can take the baby for an hour or so is great, where I can just sit and watch a favorite show or read a book as a distraction.
I've found that some scents are very calming for anxiety. Sometimes when I become anxious I will smell some citrus oils. Also, taking time to take deep breaths or taking a walk helps me a lot.
I love using essential oils to help relax. Lavender is my favorite. We have an aromatherapy program at my facility in the oncology unit. It has been very successful.
I have never experience post-postpartum experience. I would think distractions and having someone to talk to in aiding in relieving stress. Taking time for self.
Adriane I definitely believe that having someone you can not only trust but talk to about such a personal subject would be very therapeutic! Taking some alone time is also a necessity for everyone to participate in.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteOne relaxation technique I like to use is visualization and deep breathing. I try to visualize leaves falling from trees and into a river that gets washed away. It helps keep stress at bay!
Sue Matson
Oh that visualization brought me back to a few years ago. I tried to attach a picture but I don't think that is possible in this format. A few years ago while visiting my daughter and her husband in Seattle we drove to Sequim. While there we visited Railroad Bridge Park, an old wooden bridge. It was in late October and huge maple leaves of all colors were falling and gliding throughout the air. The most serene place I think I have ever been. So thankful for those memories.
DeleteSuzanne I think that utilizing visualization and deep breathing are wonderful suggestions for relaxation. Sometimes just imagining you are in that happy place can make the world of a difference.
DeleteLynnette, that sounds like such a beautiful visualization and I can see why you would want to pick that as a relaxation technique. Thank you both for sharing!
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI like to imagine myself sitting on a balcony looking out over the ocean, closing my eyes and hearing the waves crash against the sand. I breathe In the fresh air and feel my stress literally wash away.
April,
DeleteI would much rather be sitting on the beach breathing the fresh air instead of visualizing. Great technique!
April that sounds beautiful and I would pay big money to be in a place just like that! I am a beach person myself so I would have to say sitting on a sandy beach would be able to assist with my stress levels.
DeleteI agree with you Melissa completely!
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI use deep breathing on a daily basis! Taking long walks allows me to refocus after a stressful day.
Melissa,
DeleteI also utilize walking as a way to refocus! Sometimes it is challenging to do with all of the pressures of school, work, and family, but truly I can be better at everything else if I give myself that time.
Dawn
I can definitely relate to deep breathing techniques to relax! I employ this relaxation method on a daily basis.
DeleteMelissa, I can see how taking long walks after a stressful day can help. It forces you to remove yourself from pretty much everything else and can just focus on walking, breathing, and thinking.
DeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI find that walking is a great way for me to relax. I also have a favorite scripture that I read to remind me to relax and give the things I can't change to someone who can!
Great discussion!
Dawn
Dawn,
DeleteI also enjoy walking outdoors and feeling the wind on my skin washes away my stress. I too have a favorite scripture that I have to repeat to myself during times when I'm dealing with a lot of stress and it brings me back to reality that I am not alone!
Dawn I think that walking is a favorite among my bloggers and I also think that reading your favorite scripture is not only special but a great way to refocus your thoughts!
DeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI like reading novels, which allow me to escape my present stressors and I can imagine being somewhere else. I also love walking in the park where I can look at the lake and that helps me relax.
Water is always very relaxing to me, my grandparents grew up on the lake and it has always been one of my favorite places to visit.
DeleteGayla I also love to read novels! That in my opinion is such a downfall of being in school because the free time I would use to read a fun book is instead used reading textbooks. One day soon I keep reminding myself I can read "fun" books again!
DeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI've found that working out three to four days a week has lowered my stress level and my anxiety level. I also like taking deep breaths to help relax me.
Leticia
Exercising helps me too. I like kicking boxing and I do that 3 days a week. It helps me lower my BP and stress level as well.
DeleteI find that exercise helps too but its hard to find the time. With work, school and family its a challenge. But it is a wonderful way to reduce stress and to keep physically fit!
DeleteLeticia that is wonderful that you are able to change from working 4 to 3 days and that it has made an impact on your stress and anxiety level!
DeleteGayla, I would have to agree that even though it is not my favorite, exercising also can help with anxiety I may be experiencing.
Suzanne, I am 100% with you that with work, school and family it is VERY hard to find the time to exercise; even though after every work out I automatically feel so much better.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteMy best relaxation technique is to fill a tub full of steaming hot water, grab my kindle, and soak as I read for an hour after work. I get out feeling like a completely different person.
Kelly,
DeleteI like your relaxation technique, it's nice when you can just get away from everyone and everything for a small bit of time and unwind. It's great.
When I am experiencing acute anxiety I try to focus on my breathing. I think a lot of my problems when I am feeling anxious are stemmed from me not breathing properly, which only exasperates my issues. I also think working out and getting enough sleep are very important to me feeling mentally healthy. Unfortunately, with my work schedule these last two can be kind of difficult.
ReplyDeleteJulie, I would have to say that focusing on breathing can be very calming especially during moments of extreme acute anxiety. I also agree that sleep can be a great factor with regards to feeling mentally healthy. Thank you for sharing!
DeleteWhat a great topic to have for a blog. This is something that touches so many women and families. Often, they don't even recognize it in themselves. I have a dear friend who was going through this. The changes were subtle and even though she is a nurse, she never really considered this. I pointed out my concerns to her and she is doing great after addressing this with her physician. I never considered relaxation techniques for reducing stress and anxiety. Your blog is off to a great start.
ReplyDeleteBryan thank you for sharing about your good friend and her experiences with PPD. It must be so difficult especially when the changes might be very subtle as you described with your friend. Thank you!
DeleteI have always found a good book and a comfortable place to relax as a stress relieving activity. I am currently expected my first child and enjoyed reading different peoples stress relieving techniques, hopefully I can use some after my baby comes.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on expecting your first child. It can be such an exciting time in one's life. I thought having children was great, but have found out that having grandchildren is even better. Best wisthes.
DeleteTaking slow deep breaths can help with anxiety. Watching my favorite show on television helps to distract me for my own problems, but have to be an upbeat program.
ReplyDeleteShelia, one of my weaknesses in life is definitely TV. I have several favorite TV shows; however they provide a sense of relaxation to me if I have had a bad day or am experiencing stress.
DeleteDepression can always be a difficult thing, but with a new baby it must be even harder. I've had 4 children myself and never experienced this, but I find that there are times when I just need a little time alone, having someone who can take the baby for an hour or so is great, where I can just sit and watch a favorite show or read a book as a distraction.
ReplyDeleteI've found that some scents are very calming for anxiety. Sometimes when I become anxious I will smell some citrus oils. Also, taking time to take deep breaths or taking a walk helps me a lot.
ReplyDeleteI love using essential oils to help relax. Lavender is my favorite. We have an aromatherapy program at my facility in the oncology unit. It has been very successful.
DeleteVictoria and Leanne,
DeleteI would have to say that I agree in that scents can be very therapeutic and assist in relaxing and providing calming effects!
I have never experience post-postpartum experience. I would think distractions and having someone to talk to in aiding in relieving stress. Taking time for self.
ReplyDeleteAdriane I definitely believe that having someone you can not only trust but talk to about such a personal subject would be very therapeutic! Taking some alone time is also a necessity for everyone to participate in.
Delete