Checking-In: Depression

Check-In Example: Depression

On a scale of 1 to 10 how is your mood today?

  • Some common responses can be they are having a really hard day. They feel like an 2 or 4 out of 10. They may share it’s hard to get out of bed. They are really tired. They feel like they are going through the motions.

  • Some follow up comments and questions. “I am so sorry to hear that.

  • What does your therapist say?

  • This happens to many moms when they are starting to get help to feel better. Sometimes they will have a day where it feels like it’s all coming back. Know this is part of the healing process. Remind yourself in these moments that this isn’t forever. You have had good days before and you will have good days after.

  • Try to name the feelings, this is my depression talking.

  • Ask if they have experienced any of these feelings before? If yes, see if you can help them remember what worked in the past and if they can use any of the tools to feel better.

  • Let them know depression lies. You might feel it won’t get better – but it will.

  • Consider sharing a podcast on motherhood and anxiety.

  • Encourage them to join a support group.

  • Share one of these techniques with them:

  • Additionally, with depression, you can check in to see:

    • Is she eating regularly? Is she eating enough protein?

    • Is she drinking enough water?

    • Is she getting sunshine? Is she getting outside? Can she open the blinds?

    • Can she move a little? Can she take a walk if that feels comfortable? Can she google a postpartum yoga video on youtube?

    • Ask if she has had her blood work done recently? Low iron and low D can cause depression symptoms and fatigue.

    • Encourage her to turn off the news and take a break from social media.

    • When she is feeling sad, overwhelmed, or low can she reach out to call a friend or a family member?

    • Can she watch something funny on tv?

    • Ask what her pick me up songs are and can she listen to one? You can share one of your favorite songs with her that lifts your mood or you can share Mammha’s Feel Good Play List here.