October 10th was World Mental Health Day. This day serves as an essential reminder of the role of mental well-being in our daily lives.
As moms, we often juggle countless responsibilities—caring for our children, managing household tasks, maintaining relationships, and sometimes balancing careers. But amid the chaos, one thing we often overlook is our mental health.
This year, let’s take a moment to discuss why prioritizing our mental health and that of our children is essential for building a strong, healthy family.
The Unique Mental Health Challenges Moms Face
Motherhood is an incredible journey filled with moments of joy, love, and fulfillment. However, it can also be a source of stress, anxiety, overwhelm, overstimulation, depression, and more sometimes. Maternal mental health is often shaped by a combination of hormonal changes, societal pressures, sleep deprivation, and the overwhelming responsibility of raising children.
Though we talk about postpartum, we don’t often talk about just how prevalent postpartum mental health challenges can be. As kids grow, so do the demands on moms, from school pressures to social concerns. The mom’s guilt and demands of motherhood can lead to stress, burnout, and a feeling of isolation.
Signs that your mental health might need attention:
- Irritability and mood swings: Mom rage anyone? Do you feel quick to anger or frustration, even over small things?
- Anxiety: Do intrusive thoughts (“what if” thoughts) constantly have you questioning everything? Are you frozen by fear and struggling to let others help or sleep when the baby sleeps?
- Disconnection, numb and empty: Do you feel disconnected from your life, family, or interests, like you’re walking through the motions but not feeling connected?
If any of these resonate with you, know you’re not alone. Ask for help, seek therapy, find community with other moms in the trenches, and find small opportunities to nurture your relationship with yourself.
Creating a Mentally Healthy Family Culture
Ultimately, fostering good mental health for both yourself and your children starts with creating a positive family culture. Here are a few ways to build a strong mental health foundation at home:
- Encourage Expression: Make it a family habit to discuss feelings openly. Show our kids that all emotions are normal, human, and accepted. Movies like Inside Out and Inside Out 2 can be helpful guides for talking about emotions.
- Connection before correction: Before the lecture, use logic and focus on emotion and connection. Children (and adults) want to feel seen, heard, understood, and validated in their experiences before they hear feedback. Connecting with them supports their mental health & fosters a healthy relationship.
- Normalize needing help: We all need help occasionally, so normalize going to therapy, asking others for help, and self-care.
Final Thoughts
On this World Mental Health Day, remember that prioritizing mental health isn’t selfish—it’s essential. A mentally healthy mom creates a mentally healthy environment for her children. So, as we celebrate this day, let’s commit to nurturing our mental well-being and kids. Together, we can raise a generation that understands the value of emotional health, resilience, and self-compassion.
Take a deep breath, and know you’re doing great, mama!
