A study published by JAMA Network claims that anxiety can be passed on from a mother to her child. This is in the case of pregnancy. However, even after the child is born, the mother’s anxiety can still affect the child in one way or another. This is especially seen in the case of first-time moms who’re absolutely new to these situations.
First-time mothers can be prone to anxiety. They may feel anxious about their child’s health, or they may be anxious about their own ability to care for their child.
Even scrolling through Instagram can make new moms anxious. A study published in Computers in Human Behavior shows that mom influencers can also increase a mother’s anxiety. You’re not fully safe from this disease even when you’re simply scrolling through your phone. Thus comes the need to know how you can deal with this problem.
This article will provide tips for first-time mothers who are dealing with anxiety.
#1 Share the Child’s Responsibility with Other Family Members
One of the most important things you can do when dealing with anxiety is to share your child’s responsibility with other family members. If you are a first-time mother, it can be hard to know how much help you will actually need in caring for your baby. You may be tempted to keep the baby all to yourself and do everything yourself, but this is not the best way to deal with anxiety.
By sharing responsibilities with other family members, you will be able to reduce some of your own anxiety while also giving your baby a stable environment that they can depend on. This will also give you more time to relax and enjoy being a new parent without having too much responsibility on your shoulders.
#2 Take a Break from Time to Time
When you’re a mother, and you have anxiety, it can feel like it’s all-consuming. You feel like every second of your day is spent thinking about what you need to do next and how to get it done. However, even though your life is full of obligations, you need to make sure that you take time for yourself.
One way to do this is by taking breaks from time to time. Do something fun with your kids if they’re old enough, or take some time for yourself when they’re napping or at school. This will help keep your anxiety from getting out of control and will help keep you from feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of motherhood.
#3 Consult a Mental Health Professional
It’s not uncommon for first-time mothers to experience anxiety, especially when they’re dealing with new parenthood and all of the changes that come with it.
However, even though there are a lot of things you can do to help yourself feel better, sometimes it’s best to consult a mental health professional if you’re struggling with anxiety. They can help you come up with a plan of action that works for your specific needs, and will be able to provide support throughout your journey as a parent.
Looking at the right places or platforms will make things easier for you if you’re wondering how to find a therapist. The right therapist will help you find the right type of therapy as well as plan out a treatment plan that’s ideal for your mental health condition. They can help you learn how to deal with your anxiety from the very first session, but will likely need multiple sessions to get things right for you.
#4 Discuss the Problems You’re Facing with Other Moms
One of the hardest parts about being a mom is the feeling that you’re doing it all wrong. You’re worried that your baby isn’t getting enough to eat, or is crying too much, or that you don’t have enough time to yourself. Then there’s the anxiety that comes with being a first-time mother.
What if something happens? What if I can’t handle it?
There’s no better way to deal with these feelings than by talking about them with other moms who have been through it all before. There are many moms who have gone through similar situations. They can offer their advice and support while you are adjusting to your new life.
You should also check out online forums where you can ask questions and get answers from people who have been through similar situations as yours.
#5 Try to Take a Break from Work If You’re a Working Mom
If you’re a working mom, it can be difficult to take time off from work. However, if you have trouble coping with your anxiety, it’s important to take the time you need to get through those first few months of motherhood.
The New York Times reported that part-time schedules and unpaid leaves can be a great way for working moms to catch a breath. It’s also a way for them to provide better care for their child. You’ll be surprised by how much better you feel when you’re able to relax and take care of yourself.
#6 Hire a Nanny for Your Baby
Hiring a nanny for your baby can help you cope with anxiety, as well as give you a little time to yourself. Nannies are trained professionals who know how to handle babies and have experience dealing with nervous parents. They will also have the time and energy to give your baby more attention than you may be able to provide yourself, which can help relieve some of the stress of being a new mom.
As a new mom, if you’re having to deal with anxiety, do give these tips a shot. You’ll surely find a way to deal with your anxiety a lot better.
