Mental Health Week is taking place from May 12th – 18th, and the theme this year for 2025 is community. There’s a lot of stigma and misunderstanding about mental health in society, which is why this week is super important to raise awareness. One group of people who sometimes go unnoticed are mothers, and they face many challenges such as burnout from caring for relatives, postpartum depression and stress. As a community, we can work together to help mothers feel noticed and supported.
1. Start By Listening
Being there to listen without judgment can create a safe space for mothers. Letting them rant and explain their stresses can help lift a weight off their shoulders. Remember to validate their feelings where possible by saying something like, “It’s okay to feel like this.” Don’t offer immediate solutions unless they ask you for help; simply expressing their feelings can help them feel better.
2. Check In Regularly
Simply sending a text or giving them a phone call to ask how their day was can help them feel noticed and appreciated. Some mothers can feel alone as they become swept up in their list of responsibilities, so having someone look out for them feels good. As well as checking in virtually, make sure to plan quality time with them. You might go on a walk, take a trip to a coffee shop or visit the local park; whatever it is, you can create some incredible memories. Remember to make this a habit past Mental Health Week; it’s essential that mothers can feel supported all the time!
3. Show Appreciation
Telling them that you appreciate what they do can allow them to feel acknowledged. This could be a compliment about something specific, or you may give them a small gift like a note or flowers. You might also show your appreciation physically through a hug or by helping with chores around the house.
4. Offer Practical Help
Mothers love it when you offer to help with chores. Sorting everything out around the house can be a headache, especially for those with younger children. Simply offering to do the washing up, grab some items from the shop, or look after their pet can allow them to take a break.
5. Encourage Self-Care
Looking after your mental wellbeing isn’t an option; it’s essential to prevent burnout and allows you to feel like yourself. If your loved one struggles to take time to themselves, let them know it’s okay and absolutely not selfish. Self-care can include:
- Practising mindfulness: this includes activities like meditating and focusing on the present
- Physical care: exercising and healthy eating are key
- Doing things they enjoy: this may involve doing something creative, like drawing, or an activity to help them relax, such as reading
- Spending time with loved ones: Whether it’s family or friends, catching up with the people we care about can help us feel positive
6. Considering Mums To Be
As well as those who are mothers, it’s important to support those who are planning to become mothers. The journey to motherhood can be a bumpy road for some people, and it can create a number of different challenges. Some women experience infertility, which can lead to mental health symptoms. In fact, 9 in 10 people going through infertility experience mental health symptoms after their diagnosis, such as low mood and worry. It’s important to acknowledge the emotional hurdles involved and ask how we can best show our support.
7. Normalise Seeking Mental Health Support
Mothers need to feel able to access professional support if they think it would help them. At Mothers for Mothers, we provide maternal mental health and emotional wellbeing support to women, birthing people and their families in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, as well as advice and information. We have support groups, a helpline, art psychotherapy and more.
Final Thoughts
Small gestures can have a bigger impact than you might think. If we work together, we can create a more inclusive society where mothers feel seen, supported and heard. If you haven’t told your mum that you appreciate her in a while, go and let her know!