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While motherhood certainly comes with many joys, it's undeniable that pregnancy, childbirth, and caring for children often takes an emotional toll on mothers and other family members. With hormonal and physical body changes, sleepless nights, overwhelming schedules, and overstimulating days, motherhood can be exhausting and result in burnout. May 3rd is Maternal Mental Health Day, and it's a time for us to raise awareness of the mental health concerns that mothers face, the stigma associated with getting help, and how we can best support mothers and families that are struggling.
Mood Disorders and Burnout
If you are in a mental health crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, call or text 988. If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.
Women’s bodies experience many changes throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Physical changes, hormones, and abrupt lifestyle changes put new mothers at a higher risk for developing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, or PMADs. PMADs are more common than you may think; in fact, an estimated 1 in 5 women will experience a PMAD during their pregnancy or up to a year postpartum. The most common maternal mental health disorder is depression and anxiety disorders, including OCD and panic disorder.
Following the postpartum period, both stay-at-home moms and working moms face many challenges. Studies show that stay-at-home moms are especially susceptible to mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Being home all day with children and feeling isolated from society and other adults plays a big part in this risk.
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