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Motivation

BrooklynnMB
BrooklynnMB

I'm a new mom with a history of bipolar depression. I was diagnosed 17 years ago and manage my illness well. But, I feel lack of motivation. Today I went to clean the bathroom. I went to scrub some spilled shaving foam off the walls of the shower and got overwhelmed. So I kinda cleaned the bathroom, but I didn't do a great job. I don't feel very depressed, I mean I've felt much worse, but I'm just so exhausted. I have a 9 month old at home, and a lot of my energy goes into taking care of her, and I know I'm doing a good job, but I don't get much else done. I'm just so tired. She sleeps well so that's not it. I know I have a baby but I feel like I shouldn't be this tired. She's a good baby and I feel like I should have energy to do other things other than just watch her. I think I'm a little depressed. I don't do much outside of stay home and take care of baby. I work 24 hours a week which isn't much. I just feel so lazy. I couldn't even finish cleaning the bathroom today. 

sonnycamehome
sonnycamehome
Please don't underestimate how much work and energy goes into being home with a baby. It sounds like you may have a good routine going with your baby, but that doesn't mean it's easy being home all day with a new baby let alone just adjusting to all the new changes to your body, life, etc....balancing life with a baby and work and mental health takes effort and it's wonderful that you are managing well!

It's totally fine that you didn't finish cleaning the bathroom today...I didn't finish cleaning mine either and I don't even have a baby at home.

I guess I'm just trying to say to not forget to always celebrate your accomplishments...it's so important to focus on everything we can do vs what we didn't.
jannytheresa
jannytheresa
Hi There
I agree with sonny--being a new mom is no easy feat. When my son was born, my expectations changed a lot. Your family is the most important thing now.
You are also working! That adds another burden to your already full plate.
I hope that you can learn to be less critical of yourself and take good care.
So happy to hear that you're doing well with your mental wellness!
The bathroom can wait. Congrats
urbangardener
urbangardener
How are you sleeping? Taking any meds? Some have the side effect of making one tired or sleepy. I wonder if you are falling into the trap of perfectionism and really beating yourself up. None of us are perfect. You do work and you do take care of a young child/baby. While she does sleep, you may not be sleeping enough or well. And I think if you feel depressed, this is something to talk to someone medical about. There are times we feel a little down and times we are depressed. There are "tests" online to assess one's depression but this doesn't get you help. You can talk to your obstetrician because post party depression is real. Take care of yourself, too.
Bluebird20
Bluebird20
sorry you are feeling very tired. You are experiencing changes in your body and life. I give you a big hand for all you've done. Maybe give yourself perrmission to give yourself a nap. I can relate too, I slept more today, but I am suppose to be resting as I had a medical procedure Tues and the medicine I take makes me tired. Sometimes it is hard to see the good we do.