As we enter the month of May, it has traditionally been a month of celebration: the start of warmer weather, graduations, and Mother’s Day. But May can also be a month that magnifies major challenges. It is important to celebrate the highs, but it is even more important to be supported during the lows that May can bring. Because of these challenges, May has been named as Mental Health Awareness Month.
The Wellness Garden wants to highlight the importance of these challenges faced during this month: especially around Maternal Mental Health and Mother’s Day.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Healing Together
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to destigmatize mental health challenges and promote mental wellness. This year's theme, "Healing Together," emphasizes the importance of connection, support, and community in navigating mental health journeys. I encourage everyone to prioritize self-care, seek support when needed, and engage in conversations that promote understanding and empathy.
It can be so easy to fall into societal expectations of suppressing and silencing ourselves when we are struggling during times that are expected to be celebratory. It is important to honor our feelings and struggles in spite of these expectations. This is when community is integral; finding our tribe to support us in our lows, not just during our highs.
Maternal Mental Health Month: Impact on Black Moms
Maternal Mental Health Month in May is a crucial time to address the unique challenges faced by mothers, especially Black moms who often experience disparities in mental health care. The impact of societal pressures, systemic inequalities, and cultural factors can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and depression among Black mothers. It's vital to provide culturally competent support and resources to ensure their well-being and the well-being of their families.
As Black women and those who support us, it is integral to learn self advocacy around a medical and mental health system that has historically failed us. Compared to other first world countries, we are leading the world with the highest maternal mortality rate over other countries like France, Canada, and the UK. The numbers for Black American women are even more startling.
Here is how we can be the catalyst for change:
Combating Maternal Mortality: Strategies for Black Women
Access to Quality Prenatal Care: Ensure that Black women have access to comprehensive prenatal care that includes regular check-ups, screenings, and education about maternal health.
Addressing Implicit Bias in Healthcare: Advocate for healthcare providers to undergo training on cultural competence and implicit bias to ensure equitable and respectful care for Black mothers.
Community-Based Support Programs: Establish community-based programs that provide education, resources, and support networks specifically tailored to the needs of Black mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and most importantly through postpartum.
Mental Health Screening and Support: Integrate mental health screening and support services into prenatal and postpartum care to address maternal mental health challenges effectively.
Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies and initiatives that address systemic issues contributing to maternal mortality disparities among Black women, such as improving access to healthcare, reducing racial disparities in healthcare outcomes, and addressing social determinants of health.
Navigating Mother's Day and Mental Health
While Mother's Day is a day of celebration, it can also bring forth complex emotions for many individuals; including men. For those who have lost their mothers or children, experienced strained relationships, or face challenges in motherhood, this day can be particularly difficult. For many, Mother's Day can act as a trigger for the "mother wound," which refers to emotional pain and unresolved issues stemming from relationships with mothers or mother figures. This can include feelings of abandonment, neglect, or unmet needs, leading to grief, sadness, or longing for a nurturing mother-daughter/ mother-son connection.
Challenges of Mother's Day:
Mother Wound Triggers: Acknowledge how Mother's Day can trigger unresolved emotions and memories related to maternal relationships, impacting mental well-being.
Grief and Loss:For those who have lost their mothers or children, Mother's Day can intensify feelings of grief and loss, requiring compassionate support and self-care practices.
Family Dynamics: Navigating family dynamics and expectations during Mother's Day celebrations can create stress and anxiety, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and practicing self-compassion.
Challenges for Men: Men who had challenging relationships with their mothers may also find Mother's Day difficult, as it can bring up feelings of unresolved conflict, pain, or longing for a healthier maternal bond.
Strategies for Navigating Mother's Day Challenges:
Self-Awareness: Reflect on your feelings and triggers related to Mother's Day, honoring your emotions and seeking support if needed.
Boundaries:Establish clear boundaries around Mother's Day activities and conversations to protect your emotional well-being and prioritize self-care.
Self-Care Rituals: Engage in self-care practices that nurture and soothe, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or spending time in nature.
Support Networks: Connect with supportive friends, family members, or mental health professionals who understand and validate your experiences.
Honoring Your Journey: Embrace the complexity of your emotions and experiences, honoring your unique journey and growth.
By acknowledging the challenges and complexities of Mother's Day, including the triggers of the mother wound, we can create a compassionate and supportive environment for healing and growth.
As we navigate May together, let's prioritize mental wellness, foster understanding and empathy, and support each other on our paths towards healing and growth.
ABOUT ME
I’m a dualy board-certified adult and mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach to healing and mental wellness.