I am 1 in 5
It’s Maternal Mental Health Week, and I am one in five.
I didn’t think I had postpartum depression.
I wasn’t sad all the time.
I loved my baby deeply. I loved taking care of him.
But I stopped taking care of me.
I let myself fall to the very bottom of the priority list until I didn’t even feel like a person anymore. My hair got so matted and tangled I had to cut it off. I was too embarrassed to ask for help, too ashamed to admit how bad it had gotten. And when I finally did speak up, I sat in the kitchen with tears running down my face while someone gently helped me untangle and cut through the mess.
That was rock bottom for me. And still, I questioned whether what I was going through “counted.”
But postpartum mental health isn’t just about depression.
It’s anxiety.
It’s rage.
It’s OCD.
It’s intrusive thoughts.
It’s burnout, depletion, and isolation.
It’s not recognizing yourself in the mirror.
It’s crying in the shower if you even get one.
We tell moms to speak up, but when they do? Support is hard to find. Appointments are booked months out. Resources are limited. Family and friends don’t always know what to do. And many of us are out here silently surviving while smiling in baby pictures and clapping through milestones.
So if you’re in it right now, just know: you’re not broken, and you’re not alone.
You deserve help before you hit rock bottom.
You deserve to be cared for too.
Let’s talk about it.
Let’s normalize it.
Let’s fight for better support for moms.
Because one in five is far too many to be suffering in silence.
Maternal mental health is a vital aspect that requires continuous dialogue and understanding. It's important for mothers and their support systems to recognize the varied experiences of postpartum mental health, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. This week marked Maternal Mental Health Week, aimed at creating awareness and encouraging mothers to speak out about their struggles. Research indicates that one in five mothers experience mental health issues during or after pregnancy. These challenges can manifest in numerous ways, including feelings of isolation, anxiety, and even rage. The societal expectation to care for the newborn while neglecting one's own health can exacerbate these feelings, leading to a downward spiral of mental strain. Support from family, friends, and communities is crucial in addressing and alleviating these concerns. Unfortunately, many moms find it challenging to access the necessary resources and support networks. Appointments for mental health care can be hard to come by, leading to further feelings of hopelessness. It’s essential to normalize the conversation around mental health for mothers. When we talk about these issues openly and supportively, it encourages others to seek help sooner rather than later, potentially avoiding the pain of hitting rock bottom. By advocating for improved resources and understanding, we can create a more supportive environment for mothers everywhere. Let's continue to push for better understanding, more accessible help, and a culture that truly values maternal mental health.