Thursday, January 16, 2020

How to Connect with God when you have Postpartum Depression

Many women struggle to connect with God while struggling with postpartum depression (PPD). I’ve experienced that myself. What can you do when your mental health is placing a cloud or barrier between you and God? How can you connect with Him?

Today I want to share some things that have helped me and will help you to feel connected and close to Him while having PPD.

coloring page with flowers and the words believe in God




HOW TO CONNECT WITH GOD WHEN YOU HAVE POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION



Hi everyone! I’m Betsy. I create faith-based art and encouragement for mamas. I’ve always had an interest in lettering, but really started getting more serious about it in the last year.

One week after my second son was born, I was still in the middle of the baby blues. I was doing a lot of crying and just not feeling like myself. I was feeding him and looking over at my stack of lettering books and sketches on my desk.

The thought came to my mind that I needed to help other moms who were feeling just like I was. I knew that God wanted me to use my lettering to help encourage other moms. I created Dear Mama prints.

They are hand lettered art on the front with a letter of encouragement from another mama on the back. You can check them out here.


picture of a woman drawing


Many women have told me that it is hard to connect with God while struggling with postpartum depression (PPD). I’ve experienced that myself.

Today I want to share some things that have helped me and will help you to feel connected and close to Him while having PPD.

mom holding two kids


With my first son although undiagnosed I had PPD. I was always worried about him. I had such a hard time going anywhere because I was afraid that he would cry or get upset and I wouldn’t be able to calm him. I didn’t feel like I could leave the house. I struggled with nursing and that brought a lot of stress.

It was just hard. But one of the hardest things that I wasn’t expecting was that my relationship with God would change. I felt like I was in a fog and had a hard time feeling connected and close to Him. I knew deep down He was there, but why could I not feel His presence in my life anymore? Where did he go? I’ve talked to many women who have experienced this same thing.

What can you do when your mental health is placing a cloud or barrier between you and God? How can you connect with Him?

image of mom holding two children with a title box with the words Connecting with God - 3 Ways Postpartum Moms Can Connect with Him


THREE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP STRENGTHEN YOUR CONNECTION WITH GOD WHILE HAVING POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION:

1. Keep doing the basics.

Praying and studying the scriptures are the best way to connect to God. Sometimes I wonder if He is listening. Maybe you have too, but it’s essential to keep the line of communication open, even when
you’re not sure if it is helping. It is. He’s listening. He’s there.

2. Seek and accept help from others.


God speaks to our hearts and minds. If our minds aren’t healthy then we aren’t going to be able to recognize Him speaking to us.

Getting help could be therapy, medication, taking regular breaks from your kids, getting more sleep, eating better, talking to other mamas who know what you’re going through. Seek out and accept help from others so that you can get your mind healthy again.

3. Do something that makes your soul happy.


I know this may sound vague but let me explain. This was the thing that helped me the most to rebuild my connection to God.

I’ve always loved drawing and after having my son I started to draw letters. I would letter my favorite scriptures and as I would sit and be still and think about the words, I felt God come back into my life.

It doesn’t have to be drawing, it can be anything that brings you joy and makes your soul happy. Writing, exercise, being outside, baking, crafting, taking care of plants, hiking, absolutely anything. He is the great creator and any time we are creating or experiencing His creations it strengthens our connection to Him.

Doing all of these things may not completely remove the barrier that seems to be between you and God when you’re in the midst of PPD, but they will help.

GET YOUR FREE COLORING PAGE


I created a free coloring page printable for all you mamas out there with one of my favorite scriptures. “Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power…” Mosiah 4:9.

As you are coloring and thinking over the words I hope that you are able to feel how close He is and how much He loves you.

image of a coloring page with flowers and the words Believe in God



Get your coloring page here.  It comes in an 8.5” x 11” format.

If any of you have experiences with connecting with God while struggling with PPD please share them in the comments!

I think Reyna Aburto said it best, “When we open up about our emotional challenges, admitting we are not perfect, we give others permission to share their struggles. Together we realize there is hope and we do not have to suffer alone.”

coloring page with flowers and the words Believe in God

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1 comment :

  1. Hola muchas gracias por compartir tus experiencias, desde mi primer embarazo(hace 3años) tuve este sentimiento, ahora con mi segundo bebé el sentimiento es diferente pero existe, lo más difícil es que no tengo familia cerca de mí,en quién apoyarme y la familia de mi esposo tampoco, y con lo único que cuento es con la guía de Dios, pero me sentía distante y no sabía qué hacer para que se acorte esa distancia, gracias por los tips, los pondré en practica y te cuento como me fue.

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