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I woke up this morning ready to talk about something that is rarely or never talked about in newsrooms.
Postpartum mental health.
A thread.
Postpartum mental health.
A thread.
I returned to work in June amid COVID-19 after peaceful months of maternity leave. Then, postpartum anxiety hit me like bricks. I hadn't experienced it with my first child. I wasn't expecting it.
It brought on insomnia (on top of night feedings), and I couldn't function at work.
It brought on insomnia (on top of night feedings), and I couldn't function at work.
I felt scared nearly every minute of every day, overwhelmed and drained. I didn't recognize myself.
Like most of us, I was working from home, out of reach from support of coworkers and bosses. I'm the only mom in my newsroom, and that pushed me further into isolation.
Like most of us, I was working from home, out of reach from support of coworkers and bosses. I'm the only mom in my newsroom, and that pushed me further into isolation.
Finally, after one very scary day, I saw my OBGYN. I'll be honest: I hate going to the doctor, so this was a mountain for me that I'm glad I climbed. For myself, for my family.
I found a recovery plan that works for me, and today, I'm able to manage my postpartum anxiety.
I found a recovery plan that works for me, and today, I'm able to manage my postpartum anxiety.
I shared this because on top of pretty abysmal maternity leave in this industry, there's little to no talk about caring for moms & dads (birth and adoptive) when they return to the stress-filled newsroom.
Can we change that? This was hard to write, but I wanted to. I needed to.
Can we change that? This was hard to write, but I wanted to. I needed to.
First, if you're struggling, you're not alone. I mean that. Please reach out. [email protected].
Second, if you're a newsroom boss, don't forget to check on parents. Especially those with newborns. Especially in 2020.
<3
Second, if you're a newsroom boss, don't forget to check on parents. Especially those with newborns. Especially in 2020.
<3
edit: [email protected]. ((before coffee))
