đ Mental Health Awareness Week: A Gentle Guide for Mums Who Might Be Struggling đ
Being a mum is a beautiful thingâbut letâs be honest, it can also feel heavy, relentless, and lonely sometimes. During Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to remind every parent reading this: your mental health matters too.
đ âAm I just tired, or is it something more?â
Sleep deprivation, mum guilt, and the constant mental load of parenting can make it really hard to tell the difference between normal stress and the signs of a deeper struggle. But if youâve been asking yourself this question, it's worth slowing down and listening to what your body and mind are trying to tell you.
Some early signs of poor mental health in mums include:
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Feeling numb or emotionally disconnected
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Crying often or feeling on edge
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Difficulty sleeping, even when baby is asleep
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Persistent feelings of guilt or failure
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Feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks
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Irritability or sudden bursts of anger
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A constant inner critic that wonât switch off
These signs donât make you a bad parent. They make you human. And most importantlyâthey mean you deserve some support.
đ§ âWhat is maternal mental health and why is it important?â
Maternal mental health refers to the emotional wellbeing of women during pregnancy and the postnatal period. This includes conditions like postnatal depression (PND), postnatal anxiety, postpartum OCD, and birth trauma.
According to the NHS, as many as 1 in 5 women experience a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth. Itâs more common than we thinkâbut not always talked about.
Your mental health affects everything from your ability to bond with your baby to how you feel about yourself as a parent. Looking after it isnât a luxuryâitâs essential.
đ«¶ âHow can I take care of my mental health as a mum?â
Here are some simple, practical ways you can support your mental health as a parent:
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Ask for help without guilt. Whether itâs a chat with a friend or asking your partner to take over for an hour, you donât have to do everything alone.
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Stay connected. Isolation can make everything feel worse. Join a local baby group or even an online community where you feel safe.
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Sleep when you can. Itâs a clichĂ©, but sleep really does heal. Nap when possible and go to bed early when neededâdonât âpush through.â
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Move your body. A 10-minute walk or dancing in the kitchen can release feel-good chemicals that make a real difference.
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Talk to your GP or health visitor. They are trained to spot the signs and can help you get the support you needâjudgement-free.
đ€± âIs what Iâm feeling postnatal depression or anxiety?â
This is a really common search term because postnatal mental health conditions can be hard to recognise. They donât always look like âsadness.â
You might feel:
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Constantly worried about your babyâs health
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Scared that something bad will happen
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Unable to relax, even when everything is fine
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Like youâre faking your smiles for everyone around you
If this sounds familiar, please know there are treatment options, from counselling and therapy to safe medication. You do not have to suffer in silence.
đ âWhat are some everyday signs that my mental health needs attention?â
Even outside of the perinatal period, mental health warning signs can include:
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Withdrawing from friends or things you usually enjoy
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Struggling with concentration or decision-making
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Feeling hopeless or unusually pessimistic
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Changes in appetite or weight
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Using food, alcohol, or screens to numb emotions
You donât need to hit ârock bottomâ to deserve help.
đ§âïž âWhat are some self-care ideas that actually help?â
Here are some low-effort, high-impact self-care ideas for mums:
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A hot cup of tea in your favourite mug, uninterrupted
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Spritzing your favourite scent before bed
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Writing one thought down in a journal each morning
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A few deep breaths before starting the day
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Using a calming playlist to ease the evening routine
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Repeating a simple mantra like: âI am doing my best, and that is enough.â
Remember, self-care isnât selfish. Itâs survival.
đŹ âWhat should I do if I think Iâm not coping?â
If you feel like your thoughts or emotions are getting harder to manage, please talk to someone. Whether thatâs your GP, a health visitor, a partner, or a friendâyou donât have to figure it all out alone.
Here are some brilliant UK resources you can reach out to:
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PANDAS Foundation â https://pandasfoundation.org.uk
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Mind â https://www.mind.org.uk
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Maternal Mental Health Alliance â https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org
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NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency
Final thoughts from us at Gummee đ
Weâre here for the happy, silly, giggly momentsâbut weâre also here for the hard ones. If this blog resonates with you, share it with another mum who might need to hear it too.
Because no matter what your brain is telling youâyouâre not alone, and youâre doing better than you think. đ