In the whirlwind of motherhood, it’s easy for new moms to feel overwhelmed and lose sight of their own needs. Amidst the tidal wave of advice, it’s refreshing to hear from blogger Lily Carter, who emphasizes the importance of maintaining friendships for the sake of mental health.
“Connect with your friends. Seriously,” Carter implores new moms in her widely shared post. “Prioritize social interactions over chores, cooking, and everything else. A good chat over coffee or a stroll can be the best therapy. Even on days when you feel like hibernating, I followed my therapist’s advice and made it happen.”
Let’s be real: caring for a tiny human around the clock is no small feat, especially when you’re also navigating the recovery from childbirth. Many new moms find themselves at home full-time for the first time or may have moved closer to family, only to feel disconnected from their friends. “Without adult interaction, the risk of isolation and loneliness can lead to symptoms of clinical depression and anxiety,” explains Dr. Emma Finch, a licensed therapist.
The isolation that often accompanies new parenthood is a topic that rarely gets discussed. There are countless reasons for this disconnect, but the simplest remedy is to reach out to a friend. “You have two main jobs: keeping your baby safe and happy and maintaining your own mental health. Everything else? It can wait,” Carter states. If anyone questions your social outings, remind them that maintaining friendships is part of your mental health strategy. Parenthood should definitely come with one of those!
Before becoming a parent, reaching out to friends seems like a no-brainer. But once you’re in the thick of it, it’s a different story. You might feel out of touch or worry that you’re not the same friend you used to be, with all the focus shifting to your little one. But any true friend will understand you’re navigating a significant life change—whether they’re parents or not.
Carter wraps up her heartfelt message with this powerful reminder: “Stop canceling plans with your friends. Cancel everything else, not your friends. You’ll feel rejuvenated.”
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Summary
In a heartfelt post, blogger Lily Carter urges new moms to prioritize their friendships for mental well-being amid the chaos of motherhood. She highlights the risks of isolation and encourages new mothers to seek social interaction as a vital part of their self-care routine. Ultimately, she advises moms to cancel everything else in their lives, but not their friends, as maintaining these connections can significantly enhance their mental health.