Author: Ashley Burris

To kick off this new series, I'd thought I'd share about the cliché I mentioned in my previous post. Here it is, the number one cliché that is not helpful at all to me: "Just hang in there!" There is a popular inspirational poster with this catch-phrase printed underneath the picture of a cute kitten… Continue reading Responding to the cliché “Just Hang in There!”

I think now is a great time to begin a new series! For the next several posts, I'd like to dive into how to respond to common platitudes that people might say to encourage you, but end up being offensive or unhelpful. For instance, ever heard the phrase "Just hang in there!" when you're going… Continue reading Responding to inspirational clichés

I've been having a difficult time writing this month. I haven't been able to write about what I wanted to write about because it's really been hard to do anything right now! And just to be straight up: I've been struggling with depression and spiritual attacks. The thoughts and feelings are very similar to what… Continue reading Following my own advice

It was hard adjusting to all of life's changes after having my children. These itty bitty people needed everything done for them. My husband had to work a full-time job and a part-time job to make ends meet. So, it was just me and the kiddos Monday through Saturday. But I knew that it was… Continue reading Should I ask for time to myself?

It's Advent season! I have been trying to dwell on the celebration of Christ's birth and the real meaning behind Christmas instead of all the craziness and hubbub. I start every day by reading the Bible and was moved by this section of Matthew so much, that I had to share. It forced me to… Continue reading Treasuring Jesus

First off, if you are having thoughts about harming yourself or anyone around you, then you need to stop reading now and call a medical professional and/or 9-1-1. Call your spouse. Call your pastor. Call a support line. No excuses, no second thoughts, no justifications. Do it NOW. Don't make the mistake of thinking that… Continue reading EPDS Question #10 : Self-harming thoughts

For anyone who has struggled with depression, you might know the all-pervasive feeling of melancholy. There is a weight to it, like the lead aprons radiologists will put on you before they X-ray your body. It's a heaviness that can keep your feet rooted to the floor or your body in bed. Some days, it… Continue reading EPDS Question #8 : Sadness

I would not consider myself a person who cries a lot. Only in times of great loss and sorrow will I shed tears. That's just how I have always been. Actually, my husband and I joke that he cries more than I do. So, a couple of months postpartum, when I was uncontrollably sobbing and… Continue reading EPDS Question #9 : Crying

As we continue applying scripture to each question on The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), I'd like to go a little out of order. This goes completely against my perfectionist tendencies (things must be done in order!), but due to its importance and having taken a bit of a hiatus for a few months, I'd… Continue reading SLEEP! Question #7 on the EPDS