A woman who describes herself as a "crunchy mum" says she's now a proud 'scrunchy mum" after buying her first-ever microwave.
Known only as Laura, the woman has previously opened up candidly about her struggles with post-partum anxiety (PPA) and how it has prevented her doing many things.
Taking to TikTok, Laura explained how, after moving to a new area while pregnant, she fell in with a group of anti-vaxxers, who made her feel paranoid about medical procedures.
After going through a traumatic birth, Laura's fears around doctors and contemporary medicine were solidified, with the group having planted "little seeds " in her mind throughout the entirety of her pregnancy.
However, Laura has since changed her opinion and is firmly pro-vax, trying to educate others about how such beliefs can take root.
Her anxiety also caused her to fear everyday objects such as microwaves, which she believed to be dangerous. She's now working to tackle her fears - starting by buying her first-ever microwave.
Get the news you want straight to your inbox. Sign up for a Mirror newsletter here.
Laura shared a clip on social media recently, saying: "Today I got my first microwave after avoiding radiation for six years".
Proudly showing off her new kitchen gadget in the vid, Laura - who goes by the username iamlevellingup - added, "therapy works y'all".
Clarifying that she's now "happy to now be a scrunchy mom", Laura appeared thrilled to be finally joining the 21st century, revealing her joy at having microwaved three bags of popcorn with ease.
For those unfamiliar with the term 'scrunchy mom', this refers to mothers who take inspiration from 'neo-hippies' and natural parenting techniques, while recognising the need for important medical interventions such as vaccinations.
For example, they may well try out eco-friendly cloth nappies, but aren't adverse to using formula or giving birth in a hospital.
Many of Laura's followers have come forward to applaud her on her big step, with one person reassuring her that "your cooking life is about to get so much easier".
Others could relate all too well to Laura's turning point, with one woman admitting: "I just got my first one this year - I still run out of the room when I use it but we’re making progress!"
According to Healthline, symptoms of postpartum anxiety include constant worrying that the sufferer just can't quell, as well as "feelings of dread about things you fear will happen". Sufferers may also experience sleep disruption and racing thoughts.
The publication reports: "After talking about your symptoms with your doctor, you may get medications, a referral to a mental health specialist, or recommendations for supplements or complementary treatments like acupuncture. Specific therapies that might help include cognitive behavioural therapy (to help reduce focus on worst-case scenarios) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)".
Do you have an interesting story about how your life has changed? We pay for stories. Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com
