Motherhood and Mental Health
As moms, we know we are busy. We know we are tired. We know that we are often called ‘super mom’ when we’re actually burnt out and need support.
More often than we even admit to ourselves we aren’t a superhero, we’re a struggling mom.
What many of us might not realize is that we actually need more support than we think – mental health support.
Personally, I have struggled with generational trauma, ADHD and depression for many years, and seeking support and therapy has made a huge difference for me. Realizing that help was out there and that it could get better changed my life.
@diaryofanhonestmom Just thought you might need to hear this #supportmoms #momtok #realmomlife #motherhood #momlife #selfcare ♬ Almost Idyllic – Sleeping At Last
Motherhood mental health
Therapy is AMAZING and I would recommend it to anyone that has access to it; however, I also understand that therapy is expensive and not an option for all families. There are still resources that can help you and I want you to know it is possible to feel better.
Feeling alone and isolated in motherhood without any support is not something I would wish on anyone. With that in mind I have compiled a list of 5 FREE motherhood mental health resources you can access that could support your mental health journey. These are also things that can help you if therapy is just not what you are looking for.
Moms, I’ve got you! I know you don’t always have time to research these things, but I want you to know that help is out there – and it’s FREE.
5 FREE Motherhood Mental Health Resources to Take Advantage of Right Now
PS. None of these services or brands are sponsored mentions. I just want you to know there is help out there and it doesn’t have to cost money.
Read to the end for a few bonus recommendations.
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Disclaimer: My story is a personal account of my own journey with depression, and it should not be taken as a substitute for professional advice. I strongly believe that anyone who feels they may need support seek the help of a qualified health care professional – they were vital in my own journey, and are trained to find the right support for each person’s unique and individual care. If you are in crisis – know there are many compassionate and expert teams available to help you. Call 911 or consult with your local emergency department. If you need help you deserve it, and can get it.
1. Motherhood Mental Health Resource: Wellness Together
Canadian Friends: Introducing Wellness Together
Wellness Together is a mental health and substance use website to support people across Canada and Canadians living abroad. They provide the following resources to you at no cost:
- Immediate text support
- Information and videos on common mental health and substance use issues, such as this session from TAO on understanding depression and this article from Kids Help Phone on managing stress
- Wellness programs you can do on your own or with coaching
- Community and peer support
- Individual phone, video, and text counselling
2. Motherhood Resource: NAMI
US Friends: NAMI
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States dedicated to helping you live with mental illness. Their funding comes from sponsorships, grants, donations and a variety of other partnerships which allow them to help at no cost to you.
They offer education programs, support groups, and have a helpline you can reach via phone or email at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or helpline@nami.org
3. Motherhood Mental Health Resource: Insight Timer
InsightTimer
When stress and anxiety get the better of you and your mind just won’t stop racing, meditation can be extremely helpful by allowing your brain to focus on something other than your endless to-do lists. Whether you’re a beginner or at an advanced level, Insight Timer has over 100,000 guided meditations at all levels available to you for FREE.
What sets this app apart from some other great meditation apps aside from the amount of free content, is that it allows its users to connect with others in specific groups which truly gives you the feel of being part of a community. There are some pretty cool upgrade options too, like mentorships and workshops to help you deepen your meditation practice even further.
Also read: Mom Journal – Why a mom diary will help you start believing you’re a good mom
4. Motherhood Resource: Happify
Happify
We’ve all been there: The day (or week or month or year) has been extra hard. The spiral of negativity can sometimes get the better of us and we need a distraction that is not zoning out on Netflix again or getting lost in ‘The Scroll’ on social media.
Enter: Happify, an app that offers mood-boosting exercises and games that help conquer intrusive thoughts, negativity and other stresses life throws at us. The techniques used were created by scientists and experts that have studied evidence-based interventions in the field of positive psychology, mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy – this means you can trust these activities will actually work. This app is free with the option to upgrade to the premium subscription for $14.99/month, $139.99/year or $449.99/life.
5. Motherhood Mental Health Resource: The Happiness Lab
The Happiness Lab Podcast
Dr. Laurie Santos of Yale University literally studied the science of happiness and will change the way you think about happiness by sharing the latest scientific findings paired with some surprising and inspiring stories. With episodes like ‘Burnout and How to Avoid It’ and ‘When Guilt is Good… and When it’s Not’, this is sure to be an amazing motherhood mental health resource for us moms since we can listen to it in the car, or on our headphones while making dinner or getting some movement in – for FREE!
@diaryofanhonestmom struggling parents, you’re not alone (respost) #parenting #parentlife #thehonestmom #sahm #sahp #momsanddads #mentalhealth #momlife ♬ original sound – The Honest Mom
Bonus Motherhood Mental Health Resource
1. Phone a friend!
No, seriously. ‘Venting’ has been shown to improve connection with others, and provide relief, acceptance and perspective for ourselves. Our friends have our backs. It could be a family member, a best friend, or even an internet bestie you know totally gets you. Just know that you reaching out when you’re feeling vulnerable can help open the doors for them to do the same. How beautiful is that?
2. If you are a new mom or a mom in the postpartum period, check out my blog on 10 Tips For Recovering From Postpartum Depression
If you are a mom who is trying to break the cycle of trauma, please also take a look at this blog with my top 6 recommendations of books to read when on this journey.
If you found these motherhood mental health resources helpful, please share them with another mom/non-mom in your circle. You never know who might be quietly struggling.
Want more? Subscribe to my Honest Mom’s Circle by joining my email list. Here you’ll find my most HONEST mom truths, my most encouraging mental health content and exclusive perks like discounts for must have items and must do experiences!
- Libby
