Posted on my *Liptember fundraiser profile page on August 14, 2022.
https://www.liptember.com.au/karissa-de-leeuw/
As a mum of young ones, sleep deprivation is something I’ve suffered with terribly and chronically. It’s affected my mental health severely.
As babies and children need what they need when they need it, and we’re choosing to parent in a responsive, aware and securely attached way, I’ve learnt that time is the best treatment for the frequent night wakes. But it’s a long time to be this tired and feel this powerless. So a few months ago I decided to invest in my mental health by seeing the counsellor I love (instead of another random psychologist) regularly.
I am not working so asking my husband for this was hard. Recognising my need for rest and relaxation (R&R/ RnR) and my right to ask for it was harder. Asking him to take the kids out EVERY Sunday morning by 8am has been the hardest. But we’re doing it. It’s a thing now. I often don’t sleep but I always do rest. And today, I actually finally had a successful Sunday sleep-in!!!!!!!!
It is worth asking. It is worth saying something is not working for you. You are worthy of having your basic needs met. Especially when the alternative means your mental health is sacrificed.
What are you needing?
What do you need to ask for help with?
Who do you need to ask?
If anyone needs support to chat through this, I’m always here.
Rest well,
Karissa zz
P.S. What do YOU do for regular RnR?
From humble beginnings in 2010, Liptember has evolved to meet the needs of its community; proudly raising over $12 million dollars to date and funding a wide range of diverse, women’s mental health outcomes.
They make it their responsibility to deliver an ‘informed impact’, conducting much needed research in this space and raising money year-round for the Liptember Foundation. They work alongside a community of experts, advocates and allies to raise and distribute funds towards the most critical women’s mental health outcomes.
Funds raised are making the largest impact possible for women and their mental health; investing in programs, initiatives, support services and research to address gaps in this space.
Read more about how they are making an informed impact here.
The Liptember Campaign is proudly run by the Liptember Foundation.
#RnR #RestNRelaxation #Rest #Relaxation #MyRnR