A letter to Beth

My friend, Sharon, told me that I should write a letter to myself during one of my good moments and read it when I felt I needed it. Self talk is so important and the way I talk to myself is not always the nicest. I had to dig deep with this one.

It felt so strange writing a letter to myself. Awkward and odd. (Now I know how my students feel when I make them do cheesy tasks like that!) 

But I can't tell you how many times I've read it, and it does help. I saved it in my phone so that it's always to hand.

Here it is...

A note to Beth:

Beth. This is temporary. I promise you that you will feel yourself again, permanently, very soon. It's just around the corner. Give yourself a break.

Also. This is essentially just really bad PMT.

Embrace it and slob out! There are different types of depression and pnd is reactional, so once your hormones are level again it will go away, and doesn't lead to other types of depression.

Relax your shoulders and release that breath you've been holding!

You will get peaks and troughs throughout the day. Rest during the flat moments and have fun during the highs!

These are the facts:

Every day you feel a little more yourself. And on the days when you feel yourself, you feel on top of the world - just like normal Beth! This will become permanent soon and you won't even notice it.

Your hormones are still settling and it's causing all sorts of symptoms. But they will settle. Remember that breastfeeding is draining and it is going to make you feel a bit tired and empty and flat. That's OK and it's normal. Drink lots of water and have lots of little snacks.

Remember that all new parents feel this way and you need to trust yourself and know that you are doing an amazing job. Also, whatever you are feeling, just feel it without fear and allow it to be. Don't try and stress about it, or analyse it, or fight it off - it's just a normal new parent feeling. Allow it to be and carry on with your day. You can't change your fluctuating hormones, just wait for them to settle.

Being a mum is a bloody hard job - a beautiful challenge - but Lyra is so worth it. It's normal to feel tired, but know that this will pass. Try and have an adventure every day and find things to laugh at.

You will get back to yourself again and be stronger because of this. It will happen quicker than you think too. Enjoy Lyra every day and know that it will get easier.

Try to do something now that will make you smile. Put on Friends or something really funny and comforting and lose yourself in it. Cuddle Lyra at the same time 😍🥰

You're almost there xxx

P.S. you are allowed to go and put on your PJs and have a snuggly day 🥰💕 ring mum if you need to and remember to spend time with people to help get support with Lyra.

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