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On a near daily basis, an overextended, overworked, overwhelmed young mom or career woman will come in with complaints of poor sleep, fatigue, headache and digestion issues.
These symptoms often lead to mood issues if not addressed. Sound familiar?
I’ve been there during my medical residency years and after the birth of my twins as well.
Thankfully, most moms and women in this state have otherwise normal exams and testing and can be reassured that with rest and creating a more balanced lifestyle, the symptoms (as long as they are mild) will get better.
However, the treatment for the “overs” can be hard for some women. The RX is to say “No, thank you”, “maybe next time”, or “I will think about it” to all the unimportant requests and minor responsibilities that come up.
The more regular you are with the treatment, the better it works to create more time for taking care of you.
This is the simple but often unused antidote to an overscheduled, overbooked life of the “overs”. Getting the RX and permission to say the most powerful word “NO”.
On occasion those feelings of overwhelm and despair might actually point to something deeper like clinical depression.
If you think you might be depressed the “Am I Depressed” quiz will answer that question for you quickly.
1. Let’s you know if you are depressed (or not).
2. Rate the severity of the depression.
3. Direct you on the next steps to take for quick recovery so you can feel like “you” again.
The “Am I Depressed” Quiz is available to Healthgist members only.
Not yet a member? Create your account now. It’s FREE!
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I have horrible sleeping habits im glad you posted this
Thanks for the reminder to care for myself.
Hi Dr. Carol! Yes, learning to say No! is not only important for self care–but for just about every other aspect of life. In fact, I too wrote a blog post about it that some of your readers might be interested in… http://smartliving365.com/nine-simple-smart-ways-say/
I have days where I dont want to work. So thankfully as a blogger, I can take a break.
Being able to explore the option to say NO is always a good thing Tara. Enjoy those breaks.
I tend to take on too much & end up with a migraine just about weekly. I really should say no to some of it.
Resting and clearing my head makes such a difference in my day.
Love this, I say “no” often and choose myself as often as possible
You go girl!
I took the quiz and it said that I might have mild depression. I think I would have to agree. So many things have happened in my life over this past year…that has really changed my life and yea, it has brought me down some.
Jennifer,
I admire and appreciate your candor. I have had patients who are outrightly suicidal deny being depressed.
We all get bugged down by life and most of us will recover without needing any medical or mental intervention.
Be sure to discuss how you feel with a confidante and your healthcare provider.
Cheers to your good health!
I feel like that many times myself. With 5 little ones, caring for our home and homeschooling I am exhausted many days!
My sleeping habits have never been the same after the birth of my son. #hormones
I can totally relate to that Lisa!
I love this post and it’s very helpful for anyone going through these symptoms!
Glad you found it helpful Jamie.
What a great reminder, its OK to say NO. And sometimes we need to! Great post.