Part 1 – Dear Friends and Relatives
Maternal mental health or mental health of mothers matters and sadly it is ignored at a very large scale. Whatever mental discomforts and changes that we mothers go through after giving birth, most of the times it is attributed to lack of sleep, general tiredness, physical changes after having a baby, etc. However, friends and family of the mother don’t ask how she is really feeling and what exactly is going on in her mind.
Maternal Mental Health-Bursting the Myths
A lot of times mothers also hesitate in sharing about what they are feeling from the fear of being judged by their family and friends. Through this 3 part blog series, I am addressing the elephant in the room and breaking the myths associated with it – “Maternal Mental Health” – that more than often goes unnoticed and untreated.
I am also emphasising the importance of seeking professional help from a psychologist. I am raising awareness to drive social change with the goal of encouraging women to take help whenever they need it. At the same time, I am encouraging friends and relatives of moms to reach out to them and ask how they’re really feeling and encourage them to seek help.
What is Maternal Mental Health (MMH)?
Maternal mental health refers to a mother’s emotional wellness and her ability to enjoy motherhood and life at large. It also refers to a mother having a sense of purpose and a sense of connectedness to her child and her family. However, it is more than the absence of mental illness.
Every mental health initiative that’s focussed on mothers exclusively is about maternal mental health. The technical term for MMH is Perinatal Mental Health that covers pre-natal and post-natal mental health.
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Why maternal mental health is important?
Let’s start by understanding briefly that why a mother’s mental health is important by addressing a few myths related to maternal mental health through some facts. This section is specifically meant for friends and family of the mothers who show signs of mental illness or disorders. This will help the family and friends of mothers to understand that when a mother is prescribed therapy then why they should take it seriously and follow up thoroughly with a therapist.
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Let’s burst some myths…
Myth – Therapy and self-help are a waste of time.
Fact – How a mother thinks about herself can have a powerful effect on how the children are made to feel and how are they being cared for. When mothers perceive themselves and their life negatively, they might also view all their experiences in a way that confirms that notion. Therapy can help to promote the feeling of self-worth and personal power. It can drastically help them look at themselves and the world in a positive light.
Myth – I can’t do anything for a person with a mental health problem.
Fact – As a family and friend of a mom, you can make a big difference. You can reach out to her and let her know that you are available to help. You can help her access to mental healthcare providers. Treating them with respect, like you would anyone else. Not labelling them or stereotyping them by calling names. Accompany her when she is under the recovery process (aka therapy) which sometimes take longer.
Myth – Mental health problems don’t affect the pregnancy, the foetus or the baby.
Fact – Maternal mental health can have a severe negative impact on maternal, gestational or neonatal outcomes. It can negatively impact children and a mother’s relationship with them. It can directly affect the family dynamics as well.
Myth – Mental disorders tend to improve over time.
Fact – Nope. This never happens without the right therapy and in some cases, along with medication. If timely treatment is ignored then mental disorders can relapse and might return stronger. If left untreated, they can seriously interfere with a mother’s thinking and functioning capability.
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Physical changes that come in a mother’s body after childbirth can have a long term impact on the way she sees herself. As much as paying attention to a mother’s mental wellbeing is important, it’s also important to keep encouraging her to take care of herself physically.
Encourage her not to think negative about herself or her appearance. Motivate her to pay attention to self-care and body positivity. Small everyday actions can improve the mood and day of a mother who’s been feeling low and lonely.
In part 2 of this 3-part blog series, I will be addressing the myths around the doubts that mothers usually have while talking about their mental health and seeking help.
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