By Esther Hsieh — 2015
Without adequate social support, many new moms struggle to feel happy.
Read on www.scientificamerican.com
CLEAR ALL
There’s a stigma around being a stay-at-home mom, and society doesn’t talk about the loneliness, isolation, and loss of identity that sometimes accompanies this choice. Here’s what you need to know about stay-at-home mom depression.
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I’m afraid to need friendship, but it doesn’t change the fact that I do.
What catches most new moms by complete and utter surprise is the intense—and sometimes dark—pit of loneliness they feel, even though they have a newborn by their side all day, every day. And, this loneliness affects far more moms than you might expect.
As a new mum, I know loneliness cuts deep – and the lack of services for parent and child plays a large part in this.
New motherhood comes with many joys and challenges. What you may not be expecting is the sense of isolation that is common for parents who have just given birth to a baby, especially for first-time mothers.
I have three children, some really good girlfriends, and family who lives close by that I can count on. Yet I am still taken aback by the lonely feelings that live inside me since I became a mother.
Studies of polar researchers, astronauts, and others in isolation shed light on possible effects of social distancing, including increased forgetfulness, depression and heart attacks.
The bodies of lonely people are markedly different from the bodies of non-lonely people.
One of the best ways to cope with college loneliness is to recognize that it is a very real possibility and then take steps to keep it at bay.
Want to talk, but have no one to call? You’re not alone.