Friday 14 June 2013

What the Facebook photos don't tell you

Someone once said to me "You have a perfect life, I can tell from your Facebook." 

They told me that every time they saw my photos and read my updates that they were envious of me and the life I appeared to be living. 

It was a time in my life when things were really tough. I couldn't allow the outside world a glimpse into what I was really feeling.So in an attempt to hide, I filled my profile with the cuteness of my newborn and the fun family activities we did together. I checked into restaurants and cafes  and wrote about the 'mummy who lunches'. I didn't mention the whole days spent locked in the house because I couldn't bear to leave. The rocking and crying, trying to self soothe while the baby screamed for coming on 12 hours. I neglected to mention the guilt I felt for not feeling lucky, privileged and blessed when everyone around me expected me to. I didn't talk about the sleep deprivation and being up every two hours for the first 6 months, except for the occasional light-hearted comment like 'why won't this baby sleep?'

I didn't check- in when I visited the Post Natal Depression service. Instead I spoke about this new 'creche' I was taking JC to in Edinburgh. During my post counselling reflection time my status update would read 'sitting in Starbucks, enjoying an Iced Frappe'. I didn't think that 'I've just bared my soul and confessed my thoughts to a stranger and now I'm dwelling on what issues I've raised for myself' would be comfortable status for others to read. 

Time wore on, I started blogging, things got better. I was cured. 

Cue the well timed and expected scan photo with the 'We are due baby no 2 in Sept!!' update. 

I'm telling myself that it's going to be different this time. I've moved house, I'm near my family, I have great neighbours, I have more friends around me, I have knowledge and experience, I'm a few years older, my husband has matured and might be in a better place to support me, I have my blog and most importantly, I got through it the first time and felt better on the other side. 

I've been more honest throughout this pregnancy. I've posted more on social networks about the trials and tribulations of my pregnancy, making no bones about the fact that I don't carry babies well. Although I keep healthy and thankfully have no serious issues, I have had the usual pregnancy symptoms which I really don't enjoy. Throw into the mix a very precocious toddler who is testing every last ounce of patience I have left. I probably come across to my FB friends as a moaner but at least it's real. 

I worry about how I will cope with two children. There are days when I feel I am not coping very well with one. I wish I could be more laid back and relaxed. It's just not my personality. I'm trying to juggle a full time career with motherhood. It's not easy and there are days when I wish I could afford to be at home or be more efficient at managing my life. 

I look at the photos of other mums on Facebook and think "You have a perfect life, I can tell from your Facebook." - Ah!

4 comments:

  1. I can empathise with you. I often do that on Facebook, skimming for information that suits my mood at the time. It's never all out there. I know that I am never open on Facebook as the judgement always feel harshest there and I hate when people mention something you've said 2 months ago! I feel like when my depression is at it's worst, that is when my acting becomes the best it can be.

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    1. I don't have a blog Facebook page so it's all just friends, family and acquaintances on mine. I think judgement is harshest in a public arena (depending on your friends list!) x

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  2. That's the great thing about Facebook etc, we can choose what we want people to see. Hopefully this time around things will be better for you.

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