The founder of osteopathic medicine, Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, said, "It is the object of a physician to find health; anyone can find disease." This philosophy resonates throughout Motherhood Survival Manual, which addresses mental health prevention even before pregnancy, emphasizing living a healthy life to prevent and mitigate the impact of postpartum mental health disorders.

Sleep plays a vital role in our physical and mental health, and no one is more aware of that role than those who struggle with sleep. The thought of insomnia can even become anxiety-provoking. Everyone experiences insomnia from time to time, but if this persists for more than one month, we call this “chronic insomnia.”

Fatigue is more than just feeling tired; it’s a pervasive sense of exhaustion that can significantly impact your daily life. I often see patients who struggle with chronic tiredness, and identifying the root cause is crucial for effective management. This guide explores various factors contributing to fatigue and offers insights into how you can address them. Let’s dive into some common—and perhaps surprising—causes of fatigue.

Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience filled with joy, challenges, and exhaustion. Navigating the postpartum period can feel overwhelming, especially when you're recovering from childbirth, learning to care for a newborn, and adjusting to a new normal. Below are practical, expert-backed tips from seasoned moms and healthcare professionals to help you through this precious yet challenging stage.

Sleep can be challenging and elusive yet necessary for your best mental health. It is often the first symptom / warning sign of mental health problems and can trigger and/or exacerbate underlying mental health problems. First, you need to characterize your sleep problems and sleep patterns. For example – is it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or are you waking up too early? If you wake up at night, is it difficult to fall back asleep. We recommend keeping a sleep log next to your bed or on an app on your phone.

To best address your issues with sleep, is essential that you and your healthcare provider identify the cause of your sleep problems, which may involve a physical examination, laboratory studies, and additional testing. It is essential to develop and implement behavioral, psychological, and social solutions to improve your sleep. Lastly, you may require interventions such as a Cpap machine and/or medications to improve your sleep quality.