Who else could shelter a baby for 9 months if superpowers had a face? That’s something only ladies can accomplish, and it’s something only superheroes can do. If you’re a mother who never settles for less, whether at work or at home, Mother’s Day 2022 is the perfect opportunity to slow down, take a breath, and prioritize your emotional and mental health, which are just as vital as your physical health, even if it’s not always easy. In a society where motherhood and sacrifice are frequently associated, moms are more often than not neglecting their own health and wellbeing. According to a survey, moms put their health and wellbeing at the bottom of their priority list because they juggle multiple roles such as caregiver, partner, homemaker, employee, daughter-in-law, and others. Each of these positions is driven by attitudes, beliefs, and viewpoints, and the majority of them come with a slew of unrealistic expectations and demands, which may be extremely stressful on one’s physical and mental well-being. Many moms are currently suffering from many psychological difficulties such as anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty breathing, abrupt onset of palpitations, and an increasing sense of helplessness, according to Richa Vashista, Chief Mental Health Expert, AtEase. Despite the fact that individuals continue to suffer from mental illness, the majority of them remain silent and often hide their difficulties owing to a variety of stigmas. It’s an understatement to say that the past year and a half has been difficult for women, with many juggling their own employment while still caring for their families. Their mental health has suffered as a result of this. A child’s healthy growth is dependent on its parents, particularly women, who are their initial source of assistance in becoming self-sufficient and leading healthy and prosperous lives. While moms have used a variety of coping mechanisms to preserve their mental health, including me-time, hobbies, exercise, meditation, therapy/couples therapy, and so on. It is critical for women to remember not to be too hard on themselves and to let go of things that are beyond their control, while prioritising self-care and mental wellness.
Mental health difficulties during and after pregnancy are becoming increasingly visible, and Mental Health Expert Malvika Rao believes now is the ideal time to raise awareness about the reality that mental health issues can arise at any time during pregnancy. One misconception to debunk quickly is that pregnancy is such a happy time of life and that it shields people from typical mental health issues. That statement is patently incorrect, as pregnancy is a unique phase in anyone’s life, and each mother’s experience differs. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to raising a child, it is a learning process, especially for women, in which she learns about her child as well as herself through time. Whether they have a baby learning to sleep through the night or a toddler helping to put toys away, she believes it is critical for mothers to spend time with their children and calibrate their expectations. Every mother and every motherhood experience is different, and while it may not be an innate feeling for everyone, it is a learning experience for everyone. Sayesha Mani, a mental health expert, echoed this sentiment, saying, “As we face a global pandemic, its influence on the mental health and well-being of moms is evident.” Mothers have been hit particularly hard by pandemic-related issues, as they are the ones who are most likely to bear the brunt of increased homeschooling, office responsibilities, and domestic expectations.
The expert pointed out that moms had a tendency to hide thoughts that could be harmful to their mental health, and advised that giving them a place to express their feelings could help them better comprehend their requirements. While everyone’s life and routines have been turned upside down in the last two years, it’s becoming evident that the pandemic’s mental health impact has been harsh on women juggling several duties, according to Sayesha Mani. Looking ahead, things aren’t all doom and gloom; given the government’s actions and the increased awareness around mothers’ mental health, there is reason to be optimistic about improving and supporting their mental health and well-being.
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