The mental health of mothers is in the spotlight this May because Mother‘s Day coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month. A FOX 56 feature shares mothers’ stories of unconditional love for their children combined with silent battles against anxiety, depression, and burnout. The article aims to raise awareness that a mother smiling in family photographs may be hiding sleepless nights, anxious mind spirals, financial hardship, and that she‘s “always on.”
Interviews with clinicians in the report indicated that problems with mothers’ mental health often begin during pregnancy or after the birth and can be identified some years down the line when the burdens of parenting are increased. Postpartum depression and anxiety continue to be underdiagnosed, particularly in women who are experiencing the “guilt” of being expected to be grateful and “bouncing back.” As children develop, mothers may be caught up trying to accommodate the schedules of schools, looking after aging parents, and working at paid jobs and at home; try to fit it all in with no time for relaxation or time off for appointments.
The article notes that mothers’ mental health is impacted by macro-level influences as much as personal ones. Inadequate paid leave, expensive childcare, unaffordable therapy and societal beliefs about mothers giving up everything can all put mothers at risk. Single mothers, mothers of children with special needs and those in poverty or facing discrimination may have a heavier load and fewer supports.
Advocates encourage family members to move past Mother‘s Day cards and begin asking more open ended questions about how the moms are truly holding up. Even modest gestures offering childcare so the parent can go to therapy, sharing daily chores, simply validating feelings instead of dismissing can be profound. The article also optimistically reassures mothers that asking for help is not a failure but an investment in your family; when a caregiver flourishes, everyone does.
For moms, this moms’ mental health component reassures and motivates. If you are a exhausted mom, it reassures you that there are many others out there feeling the same way and that this feeling is normal and healthy — not a indication that you are a “bad” mom. If you love a mom, Mental Health Awareness month is a an occasion to go above and beyond a flowers by working to understand her, lighten her load, and help her access care if she chooses.
Source: Mental Health Awareness Month: Hidden struggles many mothers face
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