22 May Strong Moms, Strong Minds: A Conversation on Women’s Mental Health
Mental Health for Moms
Motherhood is a journey filled with love, learning, and growth—but it can also come with moments of stress, feeling overwhelmed, and emotional fatigue. As mothers support their families, it’s critical that they feel supported too. This blog is for Moms, Stepmoms, and Bonus Moms.
As we observe Maternal Mental Health Month, let’s break the silence and stigma around mothers’ mental well-being—because when moms are cared for, families are more likely to thrive.
Why Moms’ Mental Health Matters
According to the Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents, parents—especially mothers—play a foundational role in shaping their children’s emotional health. But what often goes unspoken is how a mother’s mental state directly affects her capacity to care for, connect with, and support her child.
Studies have shown that women, particularly mothers of young children, are more vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and depression—especially when juggling caregiving duties, work responsibilities, and a lack of support systems.
Even outside of clinical diagnoses, many moms silently struggle with emotional exhaustion, self-doubt, and loneliness. This isn’t failure—this is reality. And you don’t have to carry it alone.
Common Mental Health Struggles for Mothers
While every mom’s experience is different, many share common challenges:
- Role overload (working, parenting, caregiving)
- Social isolation
- Sleep disruption and hormonal changes
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or burnout
- Difficulty asking for help
These are signs that mental wellness needs attention, not signs of weakness.
Small Shifts that Support a Stronger You
At Active Parenting, we believe parenting education and self-care go hand in hand. When you feel more equipped, confident, and supported, your family benefits too. Here are some ways to start supporting mental health for moms:
SET LIMITS WITH LOVE
Establish clear expectations and boundaries for your children while fostering a warm, supportive environment. This consistency reduces stress and promotes a sense of security for everyone.
PRACTICE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Use Active listening to hear your child’s feelings and validate their experiences. Also, using “I” messages is key to healthy communication with your children (& adults too!). It is important for parents to be clear and concise in their communications. This open dialogue creates a safe space for everyone to express concerns. Effective communication can help to reduce stress and conflict in the parent-child relationship, which can improve mental well-being for both parties.
FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS, NOT BLAME
When challenges arise, address them calmly and collaboratively. Active Parenting teaches parents how to help their children develop problem-solving skills. This means working with your child to find solutions to problems rather than simply telling them what to do. Problem-solving skills are essential for mental well-being, as they help us to cope with stress and challenges in a healthy way. This empowers your children and strengthens your bond.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Active Parenting teaches parents to focus on their child’s positive behavior rather than discipline alone. This means acknowledging your child for what they do right and offering encouragement when they are struggling. Positive messages from a parent, whether words, tone of voice, facial expressions or touch, helps to build your child’s self-esteem and confidence, which can lead to better behavior and mental health for both you and your child. And hopefully, you have a support network that offers you some encouraging words!
CREATE A SUPPORT NETWORK
Combat loneliness by building a support network. Join a support group or find a friend to share parenting experiences and concerns with. Talk with a therapist.
ASK FOR HELP
Get help—whether it’s childcare, housework, or emotional support.
EVERY DAY A LITTLE PLAY
Make time every day to spend quality, fun time with your children. Even just 15 minutes out of a busy day can go a long way to strengthening bonds and ease stress for both parents and children. Play outside in the fresh air if you can.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Make space for activities that replenish you, even in short bursts. You can’t pour from an empty pitcher. Prioritize getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and activities you enjoy. Schedule time for self-care, even if it’s just 15 minutes. This will make you a more patient and effective parent.
TAKE A PARENTING CLASS
A parenting class can give you the tools to reduce day-to-day parenting stress and increase the joy you derive with your children. Find a Parenting Class near you or take an Online Parenting Class.
Get your FREE Download: Active Parenting Tools for Combatting Parental Stress to learn more.
Parenting Tools as a Form of Self-Care
Active Parenting programs are designed to strengthen your connection with your child, reduce conflict, and give you tools to respond with confidence instead of reacting out of stress. When parenting feels more manageable, your emotional bandwidth grows.
A supported parent leads to a supported child.
Trusted Mental Health Resources for Mothers
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just need someone to talk to—there is help available. You are not alone.
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline Call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746) — 24/7, free, and confidential support
- Moms First Advocating for policies, care, and workplace equity to support moms’ mental health
- Maternal Mental Health NOW Trainings, support resources, and advocacy for maternal mental health
- Postpartum Support International Global support for pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting-related mental health
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 for immediate help during emotional distress or crisis
- Therapy for Moms (Raleigh OB/GYN article) Insight into the emotional challenges of motherhood and therapy benefits
- Frontiers in Psychiatry: Women’s Mental Health Study Peer-reviewed research on the unique mental health challenges mothers face
- Surgeon General’s Advisory – Parents & Mental Health
Final Thoughts for Every Mom Reading This
You are doing so much—and it’s okay to need support.
You are worthy of care.
You are not alone.
If you’re ready to take a step toward more balance, connection, and confidence in parenting, explore our evidence-based programs designed to uplift both children and the parents raising them.
Because when moms are mentally strong, families are too.
Active Parenting Publishers has been providing research-based education programs with an emphasis on nonviolent discipline, mutual respect, and open communication for over 40 years.
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