The Motherhood Mind: Honoring Maternal Mental Health
By Krista Mueller, LCPC
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week: Honoring the Realities of Motherhood
First Week of May
Each year during the first week of May, Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week invites us to pause, reflect, and bring visibility to an often overlooked reality: motherhood can be both deeply meaningful and incredibly challenging at the same time. While images of joy and bonding are often highlighted, many mothers quietly navigate emotional, mental, and physical struggles that deserve acknowledgment, compassion, and support, as many suffer silently in hopes of appearing strong for their family.
The Reality Behind the Smiles
Motherhood is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Whether you are a new mom, a seasoned parent, navigating fertility challenges, or adjusting to postpartum life, mental health can be impacted in a variety of ways. In fact, maternal mental health concerns are more common than many realize.
Some of the most common experiences include:
- Postpartum depression and anxiety
- Intrusive or distressing thoughts
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy
- Loss of identity or sense of self
- Overwhelm and burnout
- Isolation or loneliness
- Feeling like your body and you are disconnected
These challenges can arise during pregnancy, after birth or after adoption, or even years into parenting. And importantly, struggling does not mean you are failing—it means you are human!
“Why Do I Feel This Way?”
Many mothers find themselves asking difficult questions they never expected:
- “Why don’t I feel as happy as I thought I would?”
- “Am I a bad mom for feeling this way?”
- “Why does this feel so much harder for me than for others?”
- “What if I can’t handle this?”
- “What’s wrong with me? Other mom’s don’t seem like they’re having a hard time”
These thoughts can be incredibly isolating, especially when paired with societal pressure to “enjoy every moment.” The truth is, motherhood includes a wide range of emotions—joy, grief, love, frustration, pride, and exhaustion can all coexist.
You Do Not Have to Suffer Silently
Please don’t! MANY other mothers are also struggling- it’s common. Being a mother, whether that is through natural childbirth, adoption, or a surrogate, it is a HUGE life change and there is no turning back. Your whole word and routine are flipped upside down. Maternal mental health struggles are both common and treatable. Reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness—it is a powerful step toward healing.
Some supportive resources include:
- Individual therapy with a licensed mental health professional
- Postpartum or parenting support groups (in-person or virtual)
- Consultation with your OB-GYN or primary care provider
- Peer support networks where you can connect with other mothers
- Crisis support services if you are feeling overwhelmed or unsafe
If you are unsure where to begin, a mental health provider can help guide you toward resources that fit your needs and preferences.
Supporting the Mothers Around Us
If you are not a mother yourself, Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is also an opportunity to support those who are. Even if you are a mother, currently struggling or not, check in with other mothers around you! Small, meaningful actions can make a difference:
- Check in with a mom in your life—genuinely ask how she’s doing
- Offer practical help (meals, childcare, errands, playdate, etc.)
- Listen without judgment or offering quick fixes
- Normalize conversations around mental health
Sometimes the most powerful message a mother can hear is: “I am here with you,” as in they are not alone, you are there to support them, and you notice them!
Moving Toward Compassion and Care
At its core, Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is about breaking stigma and creating space for honest conversations. When we acknowledge the full spectrum of motherhood—including the moments that may not look as beautiful as one may have expected. Motherhood can be challenging at any age and any point in time! No matter what age you are and no matter what age your child is, it can be difficult.
If you are struggling, please know: support is available, your feelings are valid, you are not “crazy,” and you deserve care just as much as those you care for. Reaching out for support can be the first step towards feeling more like yourself again!
For Fathers
Now, even though the first week of May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness, we aren’t leaving out father’s because being a father is difficult too and comes with it’s own list of challenges! There are a number of meaningful, accessible resources specifically designed to support fathers’ mental health—especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting.
The Reality Behind the Smiles
Some common things fathers may experience:
- Persistent irritability, anger, or withdrawal
- Feeling disconnected from their child or partner
- Increased stress, anxiety, or hopelessness
- Changes in sleep, appetite, or motivation
- Feelings of not being involved enough in the care of the child
These are common—and treatable—experiences.
You Do Not Have to Suffer Silently
Many fathers struggle with fatherhood. It is a huge change and if you have a strong belief of being the sole or main protector and a provider, now that feeling likely has increased and you feel even more pressure.
Some supportive resources include:
- Individual therapy with a licensed mental health professional
- Postpartum or parenting support groups (in-person or virtual)
- Peer support networks where you can connect with other fathers
- Crisis support services if you are feeling overwhelmed or unsafe
If you are unsure where to begin, a mental health provider can help guide you toward resources that fit your needs and preferences.
Supporting the Fathers Around Us
If you are not a father yourself, check in with fathers around you. Even if you are a father, currently struggling or not, check in with fellow fathers around you! Small, meaningful actions can make a difference:
- Check in with a dad in your life—genuinely ask how he’s doing
- Offer practical help (meals, childcare, errands)
- Listen without judgment or offering quick fixes
- Normalize conversations around mental health
Sometimes the most powerful message a father can hear is: “You’re not alone in this,” as in they are not the only one that must be the protector and provider. There is help!
National & Professional Support Resources for All Parents
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
One of the most well-known organizations supporting both mothers and fathers.
- Call or text helpline: 1-800-944-4773
- Offers free dad-specific support groups
- Provides a provider directory for therapists specializing in perinatal mental health
- Offers peer mentor programs and “Chat with an Expert” sessions
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
- Call or text: 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-MAMA)
- Available 24/7
- Supports both parents, not just mothers
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Call or text 988
- Immediate support for emotional distress or crisis
Domestic Violence Support (if needed)
- Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for confidential help
Let us help support you! We are here for you in parenthood – whether that support with planning on becoming pregnant, during pregnancy, postpartum, throughout parenting for any age, during the loss of a child or a miscarriage, all of it!
Motherhood – Fatherhood – Parenthood: it is a wild rollercoaster than can be so rewarding!
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