356: Behind The Sessions: Loneliness and Isolation

The transition to motherhood can bring feelings of loneliness as life forces a new schedule and new priorities. A new mom’s responsibilities are never-ending, along with the added stress of insufficient sleep and managing a new normal in the household. Our society is set up such that a mom is most often the default parent, and this can lead to a disconnect in the relationship. As we will discuss in this episode, loneliness is about much more than just being alone. Join me for more on this topic!

Show Highlights:

• Moms can be surrounded by people and still feel alone because they aren’t connected, supported, and understood.
• Dealing with a limited bandwidth for conversation and connection to a partner
• The value of feeling connected to a like-minded community
• What loneliness looks and feels like
• Finding connection and understanding through therapy, support groups, and a supportive community
• A cultural system that isn’t set up to be supportive for new moms so they know what’s normal and what isn’t normal
• How we fail new moms by letting them float around until they “figure it out”
• Let me know how you’ve experienced loneliness, the impacts you’ve noticed, and your thoughts on how we can offer better support. Email me!

Resources:

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be a better support in offering services. 

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.  

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!