Silent Struggles: The Mental Health of Newborns’ Fathers

While discussions about postpartum mental health often centre around mothers, it’s essential to recognize that new fathers can also experience a range of emotions during the transition to parenthood. In this blog, we’ll explore the often-overlooked topic of the mental health of newborns’ fathers and shed light on the challenges they might face.

1. Expectations and Identity Shift:

Becoming a father brings about a significant shift in identity and responsibilities. Many new fathers experience pressure to be the provider, protector, and emotional support for their family. This shift in roles and expectations can lead to feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, and uncertainty about their ability to fulfil these new responsibilities.

2. Emotional Roller Coaster:

The arrival of a newborn is a time of intense emotional turmoil for both parents. While mothers may experience hormonal changes, fathers can also undergo emotional swings triggered by sleep deprivation, adjusting to new routines, and the added responsibilities of parenting. Feelings of joy, frustration, and confusion are all part of this roller coaster ride.

3. Lack of Sleep and Mental Well-being:

Newborns often disrupt sleep patterns, affecting both parents. Sleep deprivation can have a significant impact on mental health, leading to increased irritability, decreased cognitive function, and heightened stress levels. Fathers may find it challenging to balance their well-being with caring for their partner and baby.

4. Communication and Relationship Dynamics:

The dynamic between partners can change after the arrival of a baby. Fathers might feel left out or unsure about how to offer support to their spouse, leading to communication breakdowns. Open communication between partners about their feelings, fears, and needs is essential to maintain a strong bond during this transformative period.

5. Societal Expectations and Stigma:

Society often expects fathers to be strong and stoic, downplaying their emotional experiences. This societal stigma can discourage fathers from seeking help or expressing their feelings, exacerbating potential mental health challenges. Normalising conversations around fathers’ mental health is crucial to breaking down these barriers.

Conclusion:

New fathers should be encouraged to seek support when needed. Talking to friends, family members, or professionals about their feelings can provide much-needed relief. Joining parenting groups or attending workshops for newborn parents can be equally helpful.

Share this with someone is a new father from your group. Also for more information on mental health do connect with Vibrant Aura by Sejal at- https://http://thevibrantaura.in/index.php/about-me/

Sitting Posture: A Shortcut to Better Mental Health

In the hustle of daily life, we often overlook a simple yet powerful tool for enhancing our mental well-being: ‘our sitting posture’. How we sit doesn’t just impact our physical comfort; it can profoundly affect our mental state too.

1. Uplift Your Mood: Maintaining an upright posture can boost your mood and confidence. Slouching, on the other hand, might contribute to feelings of lethargy or low energy.

2. Breathe Easy: Good posture allows for deeper and more relaxed breathing. Deep breaths calm your nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.

3. Focus and Productivity: A comfortable posture enhances your focus and productivity. When your body is at ease, your mind can fully engage in tasks without distractions.

4. Quick Practice: Throughout your day, check your posture. Lift your chest, relax your shoulders, and take a few deep breaths. This simple act can bring an instant sense of well-being.

5. Mind-Body Connection: Remember, your sitting posture is a shortcut to better mental health. By being mindful of how you sit, you can create a positive feedback loop between your mind and body.

Next time you sit down, take a moment to adjust your posture. It’s a small step towards a healthier and happier you.

Do connect with Vibrant Aura by Sejal at www.keyasmamma.com for first free session on mindfulness.

10 Ways You Can Help A Friend With Depression

Depression can affect anyone. Yet, it is still an illness that many people don’t understand. People talk about mental illness much more than they used to. Even so, there is still a stigma attached to mental health. A stigma that prevents many people from being open about depression. If you have a friend with depression, it can be difficult to know what you can do to help them. Here are ten ways that you can help a friend who is suffering from depression.

1. Patience: Recovery takes time; be patient and understanding.

2. Professional Help: Encourage therapy or counselling.

3. Supportive Environment: Create a safe space for them to express themselves.

4. Medication: Help monitor and follow-up.

5. Assist Daily Tasks: Help with meals, cleaning, etc.

6. Healthy Habits: Promote exercise, balanced diet, and sleep.

7. Enjoyable Activities: Encourage past hobbies.

8. Emotional Support: Offer encouragement and reassurance.

9. Learn About Depression: Educate yourself on the condition.

10. Self-Care: Prioritise your well-being too.

For more information on Mental health do connect with www.Keyasmamma.co.in

FOMO

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

In our interconnected world, the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) has become a prevalent psychological experience. FOMO is the uneasy feeling that we’re missing out on exciting events or opportunities that others are enjoying. It’s fueled by the constant updates on social media, making us believe that everyone else is living a more thrilling life. While FOMO can motivate us, it also brings stress and anxiety as we try to keep up. Balancing online and offline experiences, understanding that social media offers a curated view, and finding contentment in the present moment can help us navigate FOMO’s effects. By embracing the joy of missing out (JOMO) and focusing on genuine connections, we can transform FOMO into a positive force for personal growth.

Here are some concise tips to help you recover from FOMO:

1. Limit Social Media: Reduce screen time to avoid constant comparisons.

2. Prioritise Activities: Focus on what truly matters to you, aligning with your values.

3. Practice Gratitude: Remind yourself of the positive experiences you’ve had.

4. Stay Present: Practise mindfulness to appreciate the current moment.

5. Offline Connections: Invest time in real-life relationships.

6. Set Goals: Work towards personal and professional

7. Celebrate Choices: Embrace the decisions you make without regret.

8. Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself, and remember it’s okay to miss out sometimes.

Also, read about- Benefits of Journaling

https://http://thevibrantaura.in/index.php/2023/06/14/10-benefits-of-journaling/

The Impact Of Parental Pressure On Children’s Mental Health

1. Stress and Anxiety: High levels of parental pressure can lead to increased stress and anxiety in children. The constant need to meet parental expectations can create a sense of fear and apprehension.

2. Perfectionism: Excessive pressure can drive children towards perfectionism, where they feel they must excel in everything they do. This mindset can be detrimental to their mental well-being as they constantly strive for unattainable standards.

3. Low Self-Esteem: Unrelenting parental demands may result in low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy, as children might believe they’re only valued based on their achievements.

4. Burnout: Pushing children too hard can lead to burnout, causing them to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and even impacting their physical health.

5. Strained Relationships: Overbearing pressure can strain the parent-child relationship, causing resentment and communication breakdowns.

6. Balanced Expectations: Parents should set realistic and balanced expectations, taking into account their child’s individual strengths, weaknesses, and interests.

7. Support and Encouragement: Instead of focusing solely on outcomes, parents should provide emotional support and encouragement regardless of the results.

8. Seeking Help: If signs of mental distress are evident, seeking guidance from mental health professionals can be vital in addressing and managing the impact of parental pressure.

Remember, every child is unique, and it’s important for parents to tailor their approach to their child’s personality and needs.

For more details do connect through the link in the bio. (Keyasmamma.co.in)

Coping Mechanism

Coping mechanisms are behaviours that aim to avoid stress or unpleasant emotions. These behaviours can be positive (adaptive) or negative (maladaptive). Problem-focused coping aims to eliminate or change the source of your stress, while emotion-focused coping helps you change the way you react to your stressors.

To develop coping skills:

1. Identify triggers.

2. Use healthy coping methods like exercise, meditation, or hobbies.

3. Practice relaxation techniques.

4. Build a support system.

5. Develop problem-solving skills.

6. Practise positive self-talk.

7. Set realistic goals.

8. Prioritise self-care.

9. Practice mindfulness.

Remember, it takes time and practice to develop these skills, so be patient with yourself. Seek professional support if needed.

For more information connect with Vibrant Aura by Sejal. www.thevibrantaura.in