Hey, mama! How’s your caffeine game today? Because you’re going to need that cuppa to join me on this wild, heartfelt ride. I’m Shauna Jenkins, Emotion Coach for Moms and your host at the Talk Mom Emotions Podcast, and today, I’m putting on my storytelling hat to share my journey through mood, medication, and the messy magic of motherhood. So, grab your favorite drink, whether it’s a strong coffee or a refreshing iced tea, and let’s dive headfirst into the beautiful chaos of mom life!
From Stormy Skies to Sunlit Smiles
Picture this: me, a tired, skeptical mom, wondering if medication could really be the answer. I mean, I’ve heard all the stories about losing yourself and becoming some emotionless robot. Who wants that? But deep down, I knew something had to give. My mood was dragging me down, and I missed the moments that mattered most with my little ones.
So, with a mix of hope and hesitation, I took the leap and started my journey with medication. Fasten your seatbelts, because what happened next was nothing short of incredible. It took time, sure, but one day, I felt it—the sun breaking through the clouds after two decades of emotional storms. It was like I had unlocked a secret chamber of positivity that had been sealed off for way too long.
But hold up, that’s not all, folks! It turns out, I had more surprises in store. As I ventured further into the depths of self-discovery, I stumbled upon a hidden truth: undiagnosed depression had been my not-so-silent companion for years. Who knew, right? And as if that weren’t enough, ADHD decided to join the party, throwing its own chaotic dance moves into my life.
But guess what? It wasn’t all doom and gloom. I discovered that embracing my truth and seeking help was the ultimate superpower. Medication became my sidekick, helping me conquer battles I didn’t even know I was fighting. My energy soared, anxiety took a backseat, and I could finally focus on being the present mom my kiddos deserved.
Okay, let’s keep it real—motherhood can be one heck of a wild ride. We laugh, we cry, and we sometimes find ourselves questioning our sanity. But here’s the thing: we’re not alone. As I share my tale of ups, downs, and everything in between, I want you to know that you’re not alone either.
We’re moms, and that means we’re tough, we’re resilient, and we’re warriors in our own right. So, let’s break free from the stigma, let our messy hair down, and embrace the imperfectly perfect journey of motherhood together.
Grab your coffee, your kiddos, and your sense of humor, because this rollercoaster isn’t slowing down anytime soon. And trust me, when we reach the end, you’ll see that the sun shines brightest after the storm.
Medication Marvel: How It Transformed My Mood and Mom’s Life
In this episode, I want to shed light on my experience with long-term sadness, undiagnosed depression, and ADHD. I’ll delve into how medication has played a significant role in my healing journey and how it’s impacted my life as a mom.
Let’s break it down into seven parts: the role of medication in lifting long-term sadness, the surprises of undiagnosed depression and ADHD, and how ADHD medication boosted my energy levels. Next, we’ll navigate the world of healing, understanding that it’s not always a straight path. I’ll share my personal journey with depression and its physical and emotional impact. I’ll also talk about my experiences with medication, finding the right dosage, and seeking professional help when needed. Finally, I’ll touch on the ups and downs of the healing journey, reminding all of us that it’s not a linear process.
- Medication Helped Lift Long-Term Sadness:
Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? I was skeptical about taking medication for my mood issues, fearing it would change who I am. But I soon realized that I needed help to be the best mom for my children.
So, I took the plunge and began my journey with an SSRI medication. It took time, but when the medication kicked in, I felt like I could finally see the sun after nearly two decades of emotional darkness. It was like feeling warmth and positivity again, and I knew I had made the right choice.
- Undiagnosed Depression and ADHD:
The road to healing took many turns, and I had my share of struggles during my 20s. Little did I know that I was battling undiagnosed depression all those years, which came to light in my 30s when I became a mom. Postpartum depression and anxiety added to the complexity, but it wasn’t until a psychiatric appointment that I discovered I also had ADHD my whole life. This revelation shed light on many of my challenges, making me realize that my past experiences were intricately linked to my current struggles.
- ADHD Medication Helped Energy Levels:
Low energy levels had plagued me for a long time, and I relied heavily on coffee to get through each day. But with a diagnosis of low serotonin levels and ADHD, I decided to give ADHD medication a chance. The results were astounding – not only did my focus improve, but my anxiety was reduced too. I was more present with my children, and my overall well-being saw a remarkable boost.
- The Healing Journey has Ups and Downs:
Healing isn’t a linear process, and that’s something I learned the hard way. Depression had me in its grip for years, and I felt like I was stuck in a never-ending fog. The exhaustion, the pain, it was all too much to bear. But I discovered that healing is a journey with its fair share of dips and lows. It’s essential to remember that even on our bad days, we’re still moving forward. Progress might not always be consistent, but every step counts.
- Medication: Finding the Right Dosage Took Time:
When I finally decided to seek help, I embarked on the path of medication. Little did I know that finding the right dosage was like navigating a maze. It took patience, perseverance, and support from my healthcare provider to figure out what worked for me. The process was slow, but it was worth it. To all the moms out there exploring medication, remember that it’s okay to take your time and try different options until you find the right fit.
- Importance of Seeking Professional Help:
As moms, we often feel the weight of the world on our shoulders, and seeking help may seem like a sign of weakness. But let me tell you, it’s quite the opposite. Seeking professional help was a game-changer for me. My therapist provided valuable insight and support, helping me explain to my spouse that healing isn’t a straight path. Having a healthcare provider who understands and supports both medication and natural remedies can make all the difference.
- Process Emotions for Better Health:
Ignoring or suppressing emotions is a common habit, but it can take a toll on our well-being. I discovered the power of processing emotions and how it can lead to better health. Instead of bottling them up, I started using worksheets as a structured way to explore my feelings. These tools gave me insight into what was going on in my life and helped me understand the impact on my mood. Processing emotions is a vital step in the healing journey, and I encourage all moms to download the worksheets and give it a try.
Our “Uplifting” Key Takeaways from our Episode:
My journey has taught me that healing is not a straight path; it’s full of twists and turns. But it’s essential to prioritize our mental health, seek help, and be open to trying different treatments. Medication has been a game-changer for me, lifting my long-term sadness and boosting my energy levels. My hope is that my story will inspire other moms to prioritize their well-being and seek the support they need to shine brightly for their little ones.
Remember, motherhood is a journey of self-discovery and growth. So, let’s support each other, embrace our imperfections, and find the sunshine that’s been hiding behind the clouds. Together, we’ll navigate this beautiful chaos called motherhood!
I hope my story resonates with you, and if it does, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Share your own experiences, struggles, and triumphs – let’s build a community where we lift each other up and find the sun, no matter how long it’s been hiding!
Until next time, take care of yourself, mama, because you deserve all the love and happiness in the world!
Curious for more? Check out our latest episode here.
Meet the Host of the Talk Mom Emotion Podcast:
Shauna Jenkins, Founder, Director, and CEO of Talk Mom Emotions
Join Shauna, a mother of three who triumphed over postpartum depression, as she guides us through the emotional terrain of motherhood. Together, we’ll discover the joys and triumphs, armed with the right tools and guidance. Get ready for healing, growth, and a transformative experience. Let’s unravel the complex emotions we face as moms, from guilt to anger to comparison. Don’t let past pain impact your parenting. Join us as we create a nurturing environment for ourselves and our children. This podcast is for moms ready to embrace the journey and thrive.
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