Did you know that hobbies can help with postpartum depression? Here is Elizabeth’s story and how crafting cured her. She started knitting and crocheting as a way to divert her attention.
Before we get to the story, let me tell you a little about Elizabeth.
Elizabeth Ruth, founder, and designer of The Ruthless Crafter is a Canadian wife, mother of two, and creative entrepreneur. On her site she talks about crocheting and knitting, shares ideas as a mother in her blog section, Is an author of three unicorn-themed children’s books, and has a webshop of her handmade hats that are simply amazing and something so unique… I have never seen anything like it. Now she is a successful mother and her postpartum depression triggered that crafter inside her and made her who she is today.
Having Two Under Two and Dealing With Postpartum Depression
She had a one-year-old daughter when her son was born. Soon enough her strong-willed daughter and all the obligations led her to fatigue and sleep deprivation and finally to postpartum depression.
After her daughter’s maternity leave had ended, she hadn’t returned to work. As a result, when her son was born, she only took three weeks off from her home daycare because of their financial situation. Elizabeth didn’t have much time to bond with her infant and was tormented by maternal guilt. We all know how that feels, right?!
On the bright side, when she reopened her home daycare, the full house diverted her daughters’ focus and engaged her because she had peers to play with.
The first few years of having very small children and attending daycare were challenging, but she is now grateful to have had the chance to pick up crochet and knitting to help her reduce tension and channel some restless creative energy.
Hobby Intervention for Anxiety After the Birth
˝Just because˝ knitting gifts for her kids, with no special occasion, brought her so much fun and joy. It was even cuter when they started to make requests for things to make. That gave her a lot of confidence in her ability to create and make thoughtful gifts for the entire family. You can read her whole Craft Journey story HERE.
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Crafting As a Stress Relief Hobby
She didn’t realize it at the time, but that soothing activity reduced her stress and eased the signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. The whole process just made her feel better and having something to concentrate on was quite beneficial.
When she stumbled upon an article in House Beautiful – ˝Crocheting Could Make You Feel Happier˝, it was then that she realized that crafting relaxes her and that she tends to unwind quite a bit.
Although the essay mentions crocheting, she believes it applies to any hobby that diverts your attention while creating with your hands and imagination.
“We all struggle with a variety of difficulties in our lives,” the essay says, “and sometimes [it] feels like there is nothing in this world that can provide us relief.” “90 percent reported feeling calmer when they crocheted,” according to the poll. These findings encouraged people to use crochet as a form of self-care.
Find What Suits You
You see, we all love some hobbies or activities that we have long forgotten about. Try to find something you used to enjoy to help you reduce postpartum blues. Or try finding something new… Try to be motivated and get to know yourself. It could be meditation, reading, painting, writing, or as Elizabeth did – crocheting.
Elizabeth, I must say that you are a wonderful mother and a very successful lady! Not every mom speaks about postpartum depression, and it is something that needs to be heard and told aloud to help others so they feel less alone. Be proud of yourself and everything you have achieved. Keep up the good work!
Her story was originally posted on The Ruthless Crafter.
The Role of Mental Health Professionals
Seeking help from mental health professionals like counselors, therapists and psychiatrists who specialize in postpartum disorders can be hugely beneficial for struggling new mothers.
These practitioners can provide medical diagnoses, develop treatment plans involving psychotherapy, antidepressants, or other interventions, and connect women to much-needed support groups and resources. Getting proper care from healthcare providers ensures mothers suffering from conditions like postpartum depression, anxiety or psychosis can regain their mental health.
In Conclusion
Postpartum mood disorders stemming from the extreme hormonal changes, sleep disruption and stress after childbirth impact many women to varying degrees.
While mild “baby blues” tend to resolve on their own, more severe postnatal conditions like postpartum depression require proper treatment and support. By being vigilant about maternal mental health issues, providing family support, allowing mothers time to bond with their newborns, and engaging in helpful self-care activities like Elizabeth’s crafting, the potentially serious effects of these disorders can be effectively managed.
Seeking help from mental health professionals, support groups and others can aid mothers in overcoming postpartum challenges and enjoying the postnatal period.
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6 comments
I taught myself to crochet from the internet, shortly after giving birth to my son. I was definitely dealing with mild postpartum depression and looking back, crocheting every day while the baby slept helped me deal with the stress and depression I was feeling. It still calms me down today (my son is 6). I am a huge fan of all crafts as stress relievers.
I am so glad you commented. It will help other moms when they hear about your experience. Thank you for that!
We just started a knitting group in my neighborhood. I can’t even explain how therapeutic it is for all of us.
I am glad you found the time for yourself. We should all have a couple of hours a week for activities like that. To keep our minds healthy.
Crafting is juts good for the soul honestly and a great way to pass the time 😉 Love the post and I consider myself a crafter too 😉
Glad You liked it Melissa!