Improving A Mother’s Emotional Wellbeing

Seema is a 28-year-old woman who is a teacher. She planned her pregnancy after five years of marriage and she and her husband were thrilled about it. Things took an unexpected turn after the delivery of her child where she was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder. There were many reasons for her condition.

Aarti, a 35 year old, is a fit woman from a corporate background. There were complications in her pregnancy, and she had to leave her job. Soon after her delivery, she started feeling low and felt something was amiss. Her husband travelled a lot due to work and she had to take care of her daughter alone.

Mona is a mother of 2 kids and works full time. She often feels guilty of not giving enough time to her kids. She recently saw a therapist as she feels she is a failure as a mother.

These are just a few examples which show what different mothers go through. But there are many more such where the role of a mother impacts the mother’s emotional health and wellbeing.

Emotional wellbeing is an important part of overall wellbeing and health. It is a mix of many small things which help a person to stay healthy and happy, like positivity, self-esteem, control over emotions and attitude in relations, etc. There are various indications which signal if a person is in the right emotional state or not. And more often than not, it is extremely important to identify these signs early on.

As a mother of two children, I know that motherhood can be really challenging at times. I have experienced everything from the insecurity of not working during the initial years to feeling alone at times. For me, talking it out with my husband and friends who are also mothers was very helpful. Support of family and friends is very important – especially for new mothers and those who are struggling to balance between work and life.

Tips for family and friends

• Instead of criticising other mothers, let them know what a great job they are doing. A small genuine praise also means a lot to them.
• Look out for any signs which indicate any changes in a mother’s emotional or physical wellbeing.
• By actions and thoughts, show them that you care and are there for them.

A mother goes through many emotional ups and downs at every stage. Whether one is an expecting mom, new mom or a mom with older kids, each stage brings along with it a different set of challenges. It is important to acknowledge her struggles and give credit to her.

It can actually be overwhelming when there is lack of support from the partner and other family members. If a mother feels that her family is not supportive, she can look for mom-support groups. They will be surprised to discover that there are many mothers who go through the same struggles and face the same issues. Sharing one’s experiences and listening to others makes the process easy by easing the emotional burdens.

How a mother can take care of her emotional wellbeing?

• Although it is not easy to take out time to take care of yourself, but a mother needs to make herself a priority. As a mother, you tend to ignore your own wellbeing and that slowly takes a toll on your overall physical and emotional health.
• For your emotional well-being, start writing your thoughts. It really helps as it is akin to pouring your heart out at the end of the day.
• Join some hobby classes like art, dance, music or anything you like to do. Having an outlet for creativity is really good for enhancing emotional wellness.
• Connect with other mothers through support groups and through local groups in your areas. Make sure to attend the meetings and share your thoughts with them. Plan some outings with these mom-friends once in a while. It is a great way to compare notes and leaves you feeling refreshed.
• Plan solo outings sometimes. Possibly go to your favourite bookstore, go shopping or simply connect with yourself. It leaves you recharged and refreshed.

It is important for mothers to remember that their wellbeing – both physical and emotional – influences their child’s wellbeing as well. Following these simple tips will make sure that mothers do not overlook their own wellness while juggling the many other roles they play!