The Highly Sensitive Mother: An Essential Discussion
The following episode from the Mom & Mind Podcast was one of the most downloaded episodes and has also been re-released because it’s filled with tips to support sensitive moms. Please share this with other moms so we can help support more sensitive moms out there who need it!
Some of what we talked about in this episode
We need to better support moms.
Everyone with anxiety should be screened for this trait.
Sensory processing sensitivity can create overstimulation leading to irritability, lack of patience, fatigue, and burnout, but there are things you can do to support the sensitive system that helps a lot!
Making small changes in your environment increases wellness, such as designated quiet time and using earplugs when needed to reduce sensory overstimulation.
It’s essential that sensitive moms get alone time. Turn off phones and restore in nature, meditation, and mindfulness.
Mindfulness around the house can help to reduce the overstimulation of a sensitive nervous system. Be in the present when in the shower, drinking tea, listening to birds, observing beautiful plants.
Find creative ways to get support. Ask for support and advocate for your needs. Take turns doing alone time and don’t skip it.
Build self-compassion and remove self-judgment. Practice loving self-talk, it gives you energy. Self-criticism activates an alarm bell system releasing stress chemicals. Self-compassion releases feel-good, calming chemicals.
Learn how brain training can teach you how to lower the overload on your nervous system which will increase energy, improve sleep, and help you live the life you deserve.
What did you find helpful in this episode? I love to hear from you in the comments!
I recommend you give this letter to your medical and mental health providers to educate them about the trait so they can offer you the best care and prevent misdiagnosis.
Brain Training offers a natural approach to calming the sensitive nervous system and is extremely effective for HSPs, often reporting improvement within the first week or two.
Dr. Kat is a Psychologist and Certified Specialist in Perinatal Mental Health and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She works with moms and families to heal from the difficulties of depression, anxiety, and other mood changes that can happen during conception, pregnancy, miscarriage, loss of a baby, birth, and postpartum. https://drkaeni.com/drkaeni/
Julie Bjelland, Founder of Sensitive Empowerment, psychotherapist, empowering people with the trait of high sensitivity to know their value, honor their needs, blossom authentically, and recognize, access, and share their many gifts the world needs. As a sensitivity expert, her HSP Podcast, Blog, Books, Courses, and Sensitive Empowerment Community offer valuable resources. Get a free guide to calm your brain and take the Sensitivity Quiz at JulieBjelland.com ❤️🌈❤️ (she/her)
Thoughtful holiday wellness gifts for sensitive and neurodivergent individuals, including empowering courses, sensory-friendly products, a heartwarming children’s book, and a supportive community.