Parenting in 2021

This opinion piece from Jessica Grose at the NY Times is a good reminder to spend time doing things we enjoy doing and letting go of some of the fantasy of control.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

As we leave Summer behind, we start to notice the lessening of daylight hours. For some people the impact of this is greater than others and it can be helpful to consider light therapy. This article describes the treatment in more detail and references research that helps review some light therapy boxes.

How to Fend Off Winter Depression by Christina Caron NY Times

Paternal Postpartum Depression

This article is a good reminder to be aware of postpartum depression in dads and how it can present itself differently than it does in women.

I Gave Birth, but My Husband Developed Postpartum Depression by Kim Hooper NY Times

Perhaps the fact that my husband was low on my list of concerns contributed to the problem, a problem that dramatically impacted the first three years of our family’s life.

Online Support

Having online support from other women who have gone through a similar experience can often be very helpful. Smart Patients offers an online forum for women affected by PPD. You can join the community for free and it is an easy way to interact with peers in a safe, supportive environment.

Share Your Story

The Blue Dot Project is working to raise awareness around maternal mental health. Sharing your story with them can help in your own healing process and help them push for policy changes.

The Blue Dot Project - Share Your Story

Languishing

Languishing may be the new term for 2021. It is the state between flourishing and depression. Many people are feeling this right now coming out of a year in the pandemic and it is good to name it. This article in the NY Times describes this feeling.

Feeling Blah During the Pandemic? It’s Called Languishing by Adam Grant

Becoming a Parent During the Pandemic

Sophie Gilbert writes a piece in The Atlantic describing her experience of becoming a mother to twins during the pandemic. She describes the isolation and tremendous need for postpartum support.

Click here for the article: The Isolation of Becoming a New Parent During the Pandemic - The Atlantic