Are you wondering how to cope with depression? 

This time of year, I think a lot about mental health. I struggle more with depression during the cold, dark months, and I know it’s not just me! The winter months can be a really hard time for a lot of people emotionally. That’s why, even though it’s not the most fun topic, I truly feel like it’s important this time of year to talk about mental illness in motherhood. 

In order to give this topic the full focus it deserves, I’ve decided to dedicate the next three weeks to mental health in motherhood. This week and next week, I’m re-airing episodes I did with my beloved older sister, Sarah McKenna. This week, Sarah and I will discuss depression in motherhood, and next week we will discuss how to get help with mental illness. After that, I will air a new episode with Sarah’s husband, Logan, about ways to care for a loved one struggling with mental illness. 

Sarah has battled depression and bipolar disorder from a young age, and she has helped me and countless others in our own mental health journeys by being open about hers. I have never known anyone as brave and tenacious as Sarah, and I’m honored to share with you her wisdom on how to cope with depression in motherhood.

Whether you, yourself, are struggling with mental illness or you have a loved one who is, I hope you find this series of episodes helpful. 

To support you even further, I’ve created a packet that includes actionable ways to support yourself in depression and how to support a loved one who is struggling, as well as a QR code that links to a private playlist of all of the episodes I’ve released about mental illness. 

Before we get into the takeaways, I think it’s important to note the sneaky ways depression can manifest. It’s fairly common knowledge that depression can be seen through sadness, darkness, hopelessness, crying, guilt, and self-doubt. But, depression can also manifest through exhaustion, feeling antisocial/withdrawn, appetite changes, anger, rage, and irritability. 

 

If any of these feel overpowering in your life, please reach out for support! Depression is hard at any time in life, but there is an added depth to the struggle when you are also trying to be a mom while you cope. 

 

3 Takeaways on How to Cope with Depression in Motherhood

 

1. Eat.  

Nutrition is important medicine in battling depression! Your body and mind cannot stay as resilient when you aren’t well-fed. However, depression can make even this basic necessity really difficult. Try having easy-to-grab and nourishing foods on hand. When you go to the grocery store on a good day, try to buy stuff to help your future struggling self. Buy things for the kids that are easy and filling. But also, buy nutrient-dense, easy food for yourself. When you can summon the energy to cook, double it, and live off the leftovers. If you’re struggling with this, ask for help! The people who love you want to help, and feeding you is a great way to have them support you through your dark days. 
 

2. Sleep. 

Pay attention to whether or not you’ve getting too much or too little sleep. Aim for a regular sleep schedule. If you’re a new mom, when the baby is napping, you should be napping! Your sanity is worth more than a clean house! Too little sleep can lead to irritability and anger. Too much sleep can lead to further isolation and apathy. Make your sleep schedule a high priority! And remember, the kids can do quiet time! You can also ask your partner, family, or friends for support in this as well. Regular sleep is key to helping you manage depression. 
 

3. Move. 

When we say move, we don’t mean you need to go the gym and do an intense class! A walk or gentle yoga totally counts! Sarah loves to walk on the treadmill while watching a funny show. I love walks in nature. A lot of people like yoga because it’s meditative and relaxing. For some people, running is therapeutic. There are so many ways this can work. It can help if you build this into your routine so your brain knows it’s what you do each day. If you can get yourself to do this, it always helps. 

 

If you are clawing through the depths of depression as a mom, then please know, you’re not alone. These takeaways are a great first step to getting through each day. I also remind you that I have a packet I’ve put together with ideas for how to cope with depression. Lastly, I encourage you to reach out to friends and loved ones and, if needed, seek professional help.

 

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>>>Are these tips from Sarah on How to Cope with depression helpful? What else have you found that helps you? Tell us in the comments below.

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Announcements:

To receive the packet I created with actionable ways to support yourself or a loved one with mental illness, click here. 

 

Related Episodes: 

• 319: Three Tools I Use to Manage Anxiety and Depression
• 300: Coping with Illness or Pain as a Mom // Becky and Candace
• 184: Living Well with Depression & Anxiety // Jenny Showalter
  
  

Contact Our Guest:

• Instagram: @bombshellbling
• Website: Bombshell Bling

 

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