“Mama needs wine” has been a cultural cliché, especially during the pandemic. Truth be told, what Mama really needs is a break. Between, zoom classes, online meetings, isolation, political tension, and a looming deadly virus, it’s no surprise that in a recent study by the University of Miami, 80% of their participants reported “significant depressive symptoms”. Of these individuals, 58% also said that they had increased the amount of alcohol they drank.
While there are proven health benefits associated with Red Wine, like anythings, it is important to drink in moderation. Doctors recommend 1-2 glasses daily. It is also important to look at the “why” you are drinking. Researchers said heavy drinking rose 41 percent among women, during the pandemic. Noting that 1 of every 5 women in their survey had heavily consumed alcohol at least 1 additional day per month compared with the previous year.
Here are Five Healthy Steps to Managing Loneliness and Depression.
- Reach Out For Help. Women often carry the Superwoman burden of taking on the weight of the world. There are Crisis Counselors available to help 24/7. Your feelings are valid. It’s ok to not always be ok.
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor. They are kind, empathetic and are there to help. - Create a Routine. Our world has flipped upside down. Creating a bit of normalcy and structure to your day has been proven to help reduce stress and unexpected anxiety.
- Connect. Skip the mid day scroll on social media and call a friend. Check in on each other. Set up virtual hangs, group chats and regular conversations. People aren’t meant to be alone, and you don’t have to be. Set time aside to connect. Your call may be just what that friend needs too.
- Be Flexible. You need time for you too. It’s ok to toss the kids an iPad to give yourself a break. A Happy Meal may be the happy break you need from cooking and cleaning. Remember you are doing your best. There is no such thing as a perfect parent.
- Be Kind. Seems easy enough, right? I’m not talking about to your kids, coworkers or the coffee barista. Be kind to yourself. You are amazing. Strong. Hardworking. Exhausted. Give yourself a break, and some love.
We are not doctors or specialist so please seek counsel with medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment plans. We are just Moms who see you because we are you and want to offer tools to help.
Know you are not alone. Feelings of anxiety, fear and frustration are all normal and expected emotions during a period of isolation. Our brains are wired to feel these emotions, so you have to allow for them in your life. When we created Madre we were thinking of you. We are you. Moms. Happy, tired, blessed by sometimes overwhelmed. We are more than a wine. We are a community and a safe haven for you to connect and feel heard.
