Vanessa - On Thriving While Conquering Anxiety
Let's be honest: Being a new Mamacita is physically and emotionally exhausting. Often, we find ourselves experiencing the infamous "Baby Blues," but the emotions will become more severe for some of us. Postpartum Depression (PPD) and Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) are real. The latter can disrupt your life or your new relationship with your baby, which is not normal. Our August Mamacita, Vanessa, found herself suffering from both of these conditions after she gave birth to her first baby. Determined to heal, she put herself first, found her support system and professional help.
As we continue to move through a year where mental health is making headlines, we highlight the story of a Mamacita who focused on herself while learning to protect her mind and body. Vanessa is a Mamacita of two and the founder of JVO Craft Goods. Working Mamacitas, thanks you, Vanessa, for your transparency and for allowing us to share your uplifting story.
IN HER OWN WORDS - as narrated to Gisset
My husband and I dated for many years before we got married. Once we were married, our focus was on traveling the world together. At that time, having kids wasn't in our plans, but after a few years of enjoying our time as a couple, we decided it was time to try and have had two daughters since. My transition to motherhood was challenging. I have always been anxious, but once I became a Mamacita, my anxiety reached levels I never knew existed. At first, when I would mention how I was feeling to my family, some would say it would get better, and I was probably experiencing the "baby blues." But what I learned was that for me, it was more severe than that. Not long after my first daughter was born, I was diagnosed with Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety.
10 - 20% of Mamacitas suffer from Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anxiety after having a baby. The latter is one not often spoken about, but it's nearly as common as the first. PPA comes with uncontrollable worry, racing thoughts, and a sense of fear. It could also include shifts in eating or sleeping, difficulty focusing, panic attacks, hot flashes, dizziness, and nausea. In my case, I suffered a lot from panic attacks. One day, my Mamacita was taking care of my daughter, and she mentioned she was going to visit a relative and planned to take my daughter. My thoughts started to race; I imagined the worst-case scenario while my Mamacita drove my daughter. I panicked and told her my husband and I would pick her up immediately because I didn't want anyone else to drive her anywhere. This was just one of the many incidents I suffered from; my husband started to worry after a while. Although he often questioned why I would feel this way and worry so much, he suggested that I talk to my doctor about what I was feeling.
After receiving my diagnosis, I was prescribed medication; I started seeing a therapist and attended postpartum support groups. The medication helped control my anxiety, but I decided to stop taking it after experiencing side effects. Once I was off the medication, I discovered the power of essential oils and have been using them ever since. My therapist helped me come to terms with my diagnosis. She also helped me understand that my anxiety derived from my wanting to control the future. She taught me to practice mindfulness and live in the present moment. By practicing mindfulness, I realized that my panic attacks were just extreme thoughts of a false reality and it has helped calm my nerves. Part of my recovery also included attending postpartum support groups, which helped me the most. I was able to interact with other Mamacitas who were going through the same emotions I was. Attending these support groups made me feel like I wasn't the only one going through emotional roller coasters. With time, I felt better, and when it was time to give birth to my second daughter, many of those demons that haunted me the first time around were no longer there.
After my diagnosis, I was forced out of the workforce because my employer did not grant me the extended leave my doctors recommended. I always wanted to go back to work after my first daughter was born. Instead, I stayed home with my daughters for a few years. At first, it was tough for me to come to terms with becoming a Stay-At-Home Mamacita because I worked since I was 14-years old and was used to making my own money. I had to remind myself that this was only temporary and used this time to focus on my mental health while learning to enjoy every moment spent with my daughters. As part of my healing and to fill my urge to work, I started a side hustle.
JVO Craft Goods started as a passion project, a way to make money of my own and have the opportunity for some "me time." At JVO Craft Goods, we offer custom calligraphy invitations, stationery, stickers, vinyl decals, t-shirts, coffee mugs, tumblers, and so much more. With time, I developed a fan base, and my business continues to keep me very busy. For me, this was more than just starting a business; it was a vehicle to help heal my anxiety. Fulfilling orders for my customers kept my depression and anxiety low because working brought me happiness, and it felt so satisfying when others loved what I created for them. My future goal is to start an Etsy shop and participate in pop-up shows or events. I don't know what the future will bring, but I know that my present moment is joyous and with blessings all around me.
For all the Mamacitas out there, even when you're most vulnerable and want to give up, make an effort to remind yourself how strong you are. It's okay to feel overwhelmed and question your abilities but always remember what an incredible Mamacita you are.
As you can see, Vanessa is another fierce Mamacita. She is showing us that a Mamacita is strong enough to overcome even her darkest days. If you are interested in Vanessa’s work, visit JVO Craft Goods, they are linked here.
If you feel you might be suffering from Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anxiety, know you are not alone. To learn more, speak with your physician or call the Postpartum Support International Hotline at 1-800-944-4773. Don't worry, Mamacita, you've got this.
Xoxo - G
