Overcoming mom guilt and shame about mental health issues

Hello, fellow moms! Today, we’re going to talk about a topic that’s not often discussed, but is so important: mental health. As moms, we have a lot on our plates – from taking care of our little ones to managing household duties, and often working outside the home as well. It’s no wonder that sometimes, our mental health can take a backseat. But here’s the thing: it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to struggle, and it’s okay to need help. Unfortunately, there’s often a stigma surrounding mental health, which can lead to feelings of guilt and shame. We might feel like we’re failing as moms if we can’t handle everything on our own, or we might worry that we’ll be judged for seeking help. But the truth is, taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. So, let’s talk about how we can overcome that guilt and shame, and start prioritizing our mental well-being. Are you with me? Let’s do this!

It’s critical to recognize and validate the guilt and shame that frequently accompany moms’ struggles with mental health. It’s normal to think we should be able to manage everything on our own, but motherhood is difficult and has its own special challenges. It is not a sign of mommy weakness or failure to experience mental health issues; rather, it is a normal reaction to the pressures and stresses of being a parent.

It’s critical to keep in mind that you are not by yourself. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition, many mothers experience mental health problems. One in seven women are thought to suffer from postpartum depression, for instance. It’s common for mothers to struggle with their mental health, and getting help is acceptable.

Therefore, take a moment to recognize and validate your difficulties. Not to feel okay is okay. Keep in mind that asking for assistance indicates strength, not weakness. All anyone can ask of you is that you continue to do your best.

Challenge the stigma

Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the stigma surrounding mental health. It’s there, we know it, and it sucks. We might feel like we’re going to be judged or looked down on if we talk about our struggles with mental health as moms. But here’s the thing – that’s a bunch of crap.

Mental health struggles are way more common than you think. Seriously, it’s like a secret club that nobody talks about. But it’s not a club that you have to be ashamed of being a part of. In fact, some of the most successful people out there have struggled with mental health. Take Michael Phelps, the Olympic swimmer, or Emma Stone, the actress – both have talked openly about their struggles with depression and anxiety.

These folks have shown us that mental health struggles don’t have to hold you back. Seeking help and taking care of yourself can actually lead to greater success and happiness in life. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want more happiness?

So, let’s challenge the stigma. Let’s acknowledge that mental health struggles are a part of life, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. And let’s give a big shout-out to all those successful folks out there who have overcome mental health struggles – they’re the real heroes.

Let’s talk about support systems, shall we? As moms, we often feel like we have to do it all on our own. But here’s the thing: nobody can do it all on their own. We all need help sometimes, and that’s okay. In fact, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. So, let’s talk about the importance of having a support system.

First of all, it’s important to recognize that you don’t have to go through this alone. Whether it’s a partner, a friend, a family member, or a professional, there are people out there who want to help you. And trust me, they won’t think any less of you for asking for help.

Having a support system can make a huge difference in your mental well-being. It can provide emotional support, practical assistance, and a sounding board for your thoughts and feelings. It can help you feel less alone, and give you a sense of belonging and connection.

So, who can be part of your support system? Well, it could be anyone who you trust and feel comfortable talking to. Maybe it’s your spouse or partner, who can help with childcare or household duties when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Maybe it’s a close friend who you can call or text when you’re having a rough day. Or maybe it’s a therapist or counselor who can offer professional support and guidance.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your support system when you need help. And remember, it’s not a one-way street. Your loved ones want to support you just as much as you want to support them. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t be afraid to offer help to those in your support system as well.

In short, having a support system is crucial for maintaining good mental health as a mom. Whether it’s family, friends, or professionals, there are people out there who want to help you. So, don’t be afraid to seek out that help, and remember that you’re not alone. We’re all in this together.

Let’s talk about self-care, y’all. I know, I know, it’s a term that gets thrown around a lot these days. But hear me out: self-care is not just bubble baths and face masks (although, let’s be real, those can be nice too). Self-care is about taking care of yourself in a way that promotes mental, physical, and emotional well-being. And as moms, we often put ourselves last on the list. But the truth is, prioritizing self-care is essential to maintaining our mental health.

So, what are some self-care activities you can try? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Exercise – I know, I know, the last thing you want to do after a long day of mom-ing is hit the gym. But exercise doesn’t have to mean slogging away on a treadmill. It can be as simple as taking a walk around the block, doing some yoga in your living room, or even just dancing it out to your favorite song.
2. Mindfulness – Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment, and can be a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. Try practicing deep breathing exercises, meditating for a few minutes each day, or even just taking a few moments to focus on your senses (what can you see, hear, feel, smell, and taste?).
3. Hobbies – Remember those things you used to enjoy doing before you had kids? It’s time to dust off that old knitting project, or pick up that guitar again. Engaging in hobbies that you enjoy can be a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

The key is to find self-care activities that work for you. Maybe you love taking long baths, or maybe you prefer going for a run. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that makes you feel good, and that you can realistically fit into your busy mom schedule.

Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish – it’s necessary. So go ahead and schedule that yoga class, or carve out some time for that book you’ve been meaning to read. Your mental health (and your kids) will thank you.

Adjust your expectations

As moms, we often feel like we need to do it all. We need to be perfect parents, perfect wives, perfect employees, perfect friends. But here’s the truth: perfection is a myth. No one can do it all, and trying to do so is only going to lead to burnout and feelings of inadequacy.

Unfortunately, society places unrealistic expectations on moms. We’re expected to bounce back from pregnancy and childbirth immediately, to have a perfectly clean and organized house, to excel in our careers, and to have well-behaved children who always look clean and well-dressed. These expectations are simply not realistic, and trying to meet them will only lead to disappointment and frustration.

So, it’s time to adjust our expectations. It’s time to let go of the idea of perfection and embrace the messiness of life. It’s time to set realistic expectations and boundaries for ourselves.

This might mean saying no to certain commitments or delegating household chores to others. It might mean giving ourselves permission to take a break and prioritize self-care. It might mean accepting that there will be days when we don’t have it all together, and that’s okay.

By adjusting our expectations, we can relieve ourselves of the unnecessary pressure to be perfect. We can embrace the imperfections of motherhood and learn to appreciate the beauty in the messiness. And most importantly, we can take care of ourselves and our mental well-being.

So, let’s give ourselves permission to set realistic expectations and boundaries. Let’s embrace the imperfect beauty of motherhood, and let go of the guilt and shame that comes with trying to do it all.

So there you go, mommy friends! We’ve talked about the value of mental health and how it’s acceptable to experience difficulties occasionally. We have fought against the stigma associated with mental illness and promoted getting help and putting one’s own needs first. Keep in mind that you are not traveling alone. It’s acceptable to need assistance and to experience discomfort. The act of asking for assistance is not a sign of weakness. So let’s put our mental health first and treat ourselves with the same respect and love that we do for our families. You can do this.