'The Eye Of A Child'
The ‘Baby Blues’.
The joy of bringing a child into the world, a baby to love and
cherish, may be the plan but to 50-80% of new mothers suffering
from a form of depression known as the ‘Baby Blues’ that dream is
not the reality.
While not serious, the baby blues can leave a new mother
despondent, tired, and subject to emotional swings and loss of
appetite. The effects of giving birth, hormone changes and the
lifestyle changes of having a newborn baby, (not sleeping, being
indoors a lot, responsibilities of caring for a REAL brand new life)
can lead to a bout of the baby blues.
Baby blues are ‘usually’ short lived and go away without treatment.
BUT! What is of more concern, are the less frequent cases where
baby blues develop into something longer lived and more severe:
’postpartum depression’.
While Brooke Shields (along with the help of Oprah Winfrey) has
put a famous face on this dreadful disorder, thousands of women
who face the pain and anxiety of postpartum depression fight a
private battle of wills between their knowledge of what
motherhood ‘should be’ and their detached feelings of hopelessness
and even suicide.
What causes postpartum (also known as postnatal) depression, and
what are the signs?
No precise cause has been found that causes a happy, healthy
woman to loose her sense of self, desire and joy for life when
she should be enjoying the experience of motherhood.
While many women suffer side effects from the temporary drain of
estrogen hormones soon after birth the effect of this estrogen
loss may go even further in women diagnosed with postpartum
depression.
Other factors, such as financial stress, relationship and partner
communication problems, or a history of depression in the family
may contribute to ‘postpartum depression’.
Identifying postpartum depression is crucial since it IS treatable.
Often it will become the responsibility of the partner or other friends
and family to watch new mothers for signs of depression.
Postpartum depression can occur anytime after birth -
Even up to a year after.
The National Women's Health Information centre lists these signs
to watch for in mothers who may be suffering from more than
‘the baby blues’:
Feeling restless or irritable?
Feeling sad, hopeless, and
overwhelmed?
Crying a lot?
Having no energy or motivation ?
Eating too little or too much?
Sleeping too little or too much?
Trouble focusing, remembering,
or making decisions?
Feeling worthless and guilty?
Loss of interest or pleasure in
activities?
Withdrawal from friends and family?
Having headaches, chest pains,
heart palpitations (the heart
beating fast and feeling like it is
skipping beats), or hyperventilation
(fast and shallow breathing)?
After pregnancy, signs of depress-
ion may also include being afraid
of hurting the baby or oneself, and
not having any interest in the baby.
It is very important for mothers to have a strong support system
in place since the demands of caring for an infant, especially
when other children are present, can lead to stress and burnout.
All most mothers need is loving care and someone to talk to.
For those suffering with depression, it is even more crucial.
Beating depression with Action.
Depression can come on us at any time of the year. Sometimes,
holidays are the worst times for those that feel this
’down-in-the-dumps’ fear and worry, and things just seem to happen
to make us feel gloomy and sad.
(Note that this feeling happens to all of us at one time or another).
How to recognize the feeling and know what to do about it is the
purpose of this article.
No one can or should ignore this feeling. It is universal and
the blues are very much ingrained in our world. Music and movies
are legendary in handling this subject.
If the feeling is too overwhelming, then sometimes professional help
is the desired action.
We will just talk here about the ‘funk of depression’, the knotted
thinking that nothing is right and it will only get worse.
The following things are suggested to help:
1. ‘Laughing is the best medicine’ is an old adage, but so true.
It is amazing how when you are depressed, just laughing about
something and releasing the stress, can make you feel better. If
you are having trouble finding something to laugh about, maybe
you know some people to be around that cheer you up, and that
you can easily call when you feel bad. Those who you know will
let you apply the ‘strength in numbers’ theory.
Invite a few good friends over just to talk and have a tea/coffee
(or whatever),and you will see how much better you feel afterwards.
2. Listening to music is another ‘key’ to overcoming depression.
(Though the ‘right’ music is essential).
If you can just relax and let the type of music you love drift
over you and enter your senses, you will find that you get ‘stimulated’
and feel a whole lot better. (Much more on this subject HERE! )
Even as babies in the womb, we respond to music.
Maybe you’ll find you want to get up and dance.
There’s nothing wrong with that - even without a partner!
Just move the body to the beat and let all your stress flow out of your
fingertips and toes.
3. Do some work and you will find you feel much less depressed.
(Though it IS appreciated that another symptom of depression is
that you simply CANNOT motivate yourself to do ANYTHING).
But if at all possible, DO TRY.
There is something about a clean bathroom, living room, or
kitchen that gives most women a sense of pride, order and joy.
Men often enjoy doing some of the same work and experiencing
the same results. The point is, you really do need to get out and do
something that moves your body. (Get that ‘vital’ oxygen into the brain).
Maybe you can shoot hoops in the driveway, ride a bicycle through the
neighbourhood and say "HI" to a few of your neighbours.
There is something to be said for just watching a sunset, and realizing
just how ‘MIGHTY’ the world is, and how we are just one part of it.
That sometimes seems to put our own troubles more in perspective.
4. While we are on that thought, why not try a prayer when you
feel depressed?
(Given up on faith? Then check out ‘ANGEL’ as a sound alternative).
Try helping out someone less fortunate.
Think of hospital patients, and know that they most likely have things
that you would HATE to have wrong with you.
Yet, you see happier children and adults in some of the worst settings in
the hospital.
Hug someone, or maybe go through some old pictures of happy times
with your family. Remember the time when you ‘knew’ life was GOOD.
Doing productive activities will always perk you up. Try to think
’positively’ about your life and the things you have been given.
Know that your mind is just going through a transformation period,
And that you WILL get through it. Coming out of it feeling MANY
times better than you’ve ever felt before.
Try not to dwell on the ‘present’ if possible. Take your dog for a walk
(if you have one), and relish in the animal's unending enjoyment at
seeing you, and being with you.
Sometimes, simple undemanding love is all we truly need.
Of course, the suggestions given above may not apply to everyone.
But please give them a try and who knows...maybe they can
help just a little.
Keep this list handy, and the next time you are feeling a little down.
Or someone you know is below par. Find something that triggers the best
response to get YOU or THEM to feel happy again.
Be aware that when depression creeps in, you need to take ACTION!
‘very quickly’ and beat the depression back to the corner where it belongs.
Should we all just see life 'Through A Childs eye'??
The joy of bringing a child into the world, a baby to love and
cherish, may be the plan but to 50-80% of new mothers suffering
from a form of depression known as the ‘Baby Blues’ that dream is
not the reality.
While not serious, the baby blues can leave a new mother
despondent, tired, and subject to emotional swings and loss of
appetite. The effects of giving birth, hormone changes and the
lifestyle changes of having a newborn baby, (not sleeping, being
indoors a lot, responsibilities of caring for a REAL brand new life)
can lead to a bout of the baby blues.
Baby blues are ‘usually’ short lived and go away without treatment.
BUT! What is of more concern, are the less frequent cases where
baby blues develop into something longer lived and more severe:
’postpartum depression’.
While Brooke Shields (along with the help of Oprah Winfrey) has
put a famous face on this dreadful disorder, thousands of women
who face the pain and anxiety of postpartum depression fight a
private battle of wills between their knowledge of what
motherhood ‘should be’ and their detached feelings of hopelessness
and even suicide.
What causes postpartum (also known as postnatal) depression, and
what are the signs?
No precise cause has been found that causes a happy, healthy
woman to loose her sense of self, desire and joy for life when
she should be enjoying the experience of motherhood.
While many women suffer side effects from the temporary drain of
estrogen hormones soon after birth the effect of this estrogen
loss may go even further in women diagnosed with postpartum
depression.
Other factors, such as financial stress, relationship and partner
communication problems, or a history of depression in the family
may contribute to ‘postpartum depression’.
Identifying postpartum depression is crucial since it IS treatable.
Often it will become the responsibility of the partner or other friends
and family to watch new mothers for signs of depression.
Postpartum depression can occur anytime after birth -
Even up to a year after.
The National Women's Health Information centre lists these signs
to watch for in mothers who may be suffering from more than
‘the baby blues’:
Feeling restless or irritable?
Feeling sad, hopeless, and
overwhelmed?
Crying a lot?
Having no energy or motivation ?
Eating too little or too much?
Sleeping too little or too much?
Trouble focusing, remembering,
or making decisions?
Feeling worthless and guilty?
Loss of interest or pleasure in
activities?
Withdrawal from friends and family?
Having headaches, chest pains,
heart palpitations (the heart
beating fast and feeling like it is
skipping beats), or hyperventilation
(fast and shallow breathing)?
After pregnancy, signs of depress-
ion may also include being afraid
of hurting the baby or oneself, and
not having any interest in the baby.
It is very important for mothers to have a strong support system
in place since the demands of caring for an infant, especially
when other children are present, can lead to stress and burnout.
All most mothers need is loving care and someone to talk to.
For those suffering with depression, it is even more crucial.
Beating depression with Action.
Depression can come on us at any time of the year. Sometimes,
holidays are the worst times for those that feel this
’down-in-the-dumps’ fear and worry, and things just seem to happen
to make us feel gloomy and sad.
(Note that this feeling happens to all of us at one time or another).
How to recognize the feeling and know what to do about it is the
purpose of this article.
No one can or should ignore this feeling. It is universal and
the blues are very much ingrained in our world. Music and movies
are legendary in handling this subject.
If the feeling is too overwhelming, then sometimes professional help
is the desired action.
We will just talk here about the ‘funk of depression’, the knotted
thinking that nothing is right and it will only get worse.
The following things are suggested to help:
1. ‘Laughing is the best medicine’ is an old adage, but so true.
It is amazing how when you are depressed, just laughing about
something and releasing the stress, can make you feel better. If
you are having trouble finding something to laugh about, maybe
you know some people to be around that cheer you up, and that
you can easily call when you feel bad. Those who you know will
let you apply the ‘strength in numbers’ theory.
Invite a few good friends over just to talk and have a tea/coffee
(or whatever),and you will see how much better you feel afterwards.
2. Listening to music is another ‘key’ to overcoming depression.
(Though the ‘right’ music is essential).
If you can just relax and let the type of music you love drift
over you and enter your senses, you will find that you get ‘stimulated’
and feel a whole lot better. (Much more on this subject HERE! )
Even as babies in the womb, we respond to music.
Maybe you’ll find you want to get up and dance.
There’s nothing wrong with that - even without a partner!
Just move the body to the beat and let all your stress flow out of your
fingertips and toes.
3. Do some work and you will find you feel much less depressed.
(Though it IS appreciated that another symptom of depression is
that you simply CANNOT motivate yourself to do ANYTHING).
But if at all possible, DO TRY.
There is something about a clean bathroom, living room, or
kitchen that gives most women a sense of pride, order and joy.
Men often enjoy doing some of the same work and experiencing
the same results. The point is, you really do need to get out and do
something that moves your body. (Get that ‘vital’ oxygen into the brain).
Maybe you can shoot hoops in the driveway, ride a bicycle through the
neighbourhood and say "HI" to a few of your neighbours.
There is something to be said for just watching a sunset, and realizing
just how ‘MIGHTY’ the world is, and how we are just one part of it.
That sometimes seems to put our own troubles more in perspective.
4. While we are on that thought, why not try a prayer when you
feel depressed?
(Given up on faith? Then check out ‘ANGEL’ as a sound alternative).
Try helping out someone less fortunate.
Think of hospital patients, and know that they most likely have things
that you would HATE to have wrong with you.
Yet, you see happier children and adults in some of the worst settings in
the hospital.
Hug someone, or maybe go through some old pictures of happy times
with your family. Remember the time when you ‘knew’ life was GOOD.
Doing productive activities will always perk you up. Try to think
’positively’ about your life and the things you have been given.
Know that your mind is just going through a transformation period,
And that you WILL get through it. Coming out of it feeling MANY
times better than you’ve ever felt before.
Try not to dwell on the ‘present’ if possible. Take your dog for a walk
(if you have one), and relish in the animal's unending enjoyment at
seeing you, and being with you.
Sometimes, simple undemanding love is all we truly need.
Of course, the suggestions given above may not apply to everyone.
But please give them a try and who knows...maybe they can
help just a little.
Keep this list handy, and the next time you are feeling a little down.
Or someone you know is below par. Find something that triggers the best
response to get YOU or THEM to feel happy again.
Be aware that when depression creeps in, you need to take ACTION!
‘very quickly’ and beat the depression back to the corner where it belongs.
Should we all just see life 'Through A Childs eye'??
| The Eye Of A Child. The light of life shines brightly through a childs eyes. The virgin mind of children, can’t comprehend `despise`. But as we loom from childhood, into the land of plenty. Our little world of fantasy becomes a hard reality. We’re told to “grow up”, “don’t be stupid”. To be aware of little Cupid. We’re told to learn the thoughts of man. To take it all in if we can. No wonder we get violent, learn the word `despise`. We’re learning lifes philosophy through the Black Queens eyes. A childs love is plenty. It’s hard to keep it down. Through pain and disappointment, you’ll seldom see them frown. They set a fine example, to us who’ve fallen foul, of the Black Queens education. Have you thrown in the towel ?? We know that education is the key to modern living. But so is love and charity. Please don’t stop the giving. When we read our books of learning, and we’re trying to succeed. It’s easy to interpret the words through alien greed. We’re told to be successful, that’s what life’s about. That if you don’t get what you want, that you should scream and shout. But learning is much more than that. Books are for enjoying. Read all books through childrens eyes, the White Kings light, will shine right through, then give the light of life to you. When you take the `light of life`, you’ll suffer pain and grief. But look at life through a childs eyes, and love will bring relief. When you push your children hard, to be successful just like you. Take a trip back in your mind. Make a note of what you find. I bet the things that you recall, are having fun, playing ball. All the birthday parties, all the nursery rhymes. They are lifes education, when you knew better times. We all learn at our own speed. It shouldn’t be pushed along by greed. The childs mind is hungry, and it will find the truth. They need that extra helping hand, as they approach their youth. Example, is the White Queens tool. So never call your child a fool. Your child looks at you in awe. Don’t knock the child to the floor. Instead, show you appreciate, the love that you can’t contemplate. Ask how they are getting on. You’ll know then, through love, you’ve won. P. Moring. |
| All poems on this site are extracted from; 'Visions Of The Future Past'. First published in 1988 and copyright to; Future Past Publishing. |
