Understanding Maternal Mental Health: A Call for Compassion and Care

BHAWANA LAMICHANEY

Motherhood is often romanticized as a time of joy and bonding. While it can be that, it’s also a time of enormous change physically, emotionally, and mentally. For many women, the postpartum period brings challenges that are rarely talked about. It’s time to normalize conversations around maternal mental health.

What is Maternal Mental Health?

Maternal mental health refers to a woman’s emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It includes conditions such as:

· Postpartum depression (PPD)

· Postpartum anxiety

· Perinatal mood disorders

· Birth-related trauma

· Psychosis (rare but serious

Why It Matters:

· 1 in 5 mothers may experience a mental health issue during or after pregnancy

· Untreated maternal mental health problems can affect both the mother and the child’s long-term well-being.

· Many women suffer in silence due to stigma or lack of awareness.

Risk Factors:

· Hormonal changes

· Sleep deprivationLack of support

· Past trauma or mental health history

· Societal expectations of being a “perfect mother”

Signs to Watch For:

· Feeling persistently sad, anxious, or empty

· Irritability or anger

· Loss of interest in the baby

· Excessive worry or guilty

· Thoughts of self-harm or harm to the baby.

Motherhood is a profound and life-changing journey — filled with moments of joy, love, and fulfillment, but also with challenges, fatigue, and emotional strain. For many mothers, especially those navigating pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or the demands of young children, mental health and emotional well-being can be tested.

Applied Positive Psychology offers practical, evidence-based tools that focus not only on reducing distress but also on enhancing strengths, resilience, and overall life satisfaction, help mothers flourish, even in challenging times.

Here’s how we can support mothers using positive psychology principles:

1. Gratitude Practices:

Gratitude is a simple yet transformative practice that can shift a mother’s focus from stressors to blessings, helping her notice small moments of joy amidst the chaos.

How it helps: Research shows that regular gratitude practice increases life satisfaction, improves mood, and reduces symptoms of depression.

Application for mothers: Encourage keeping a “Gratitude Journal” noting three things daily they are thankful for, such as a baby’s smile, a supportive partner, or a moment of rest. This helps anchor their attention in positive experiences rather than daily struggles.

2. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion:

Mindfulness teaches mothers to be fully present, observing thoughts and emotions without judgment. Self-compassion complements this by fostering kindness toward oneself, especially during moments of perceived failure or inadequacy.

How it helps: Mindfulness reduces stress, anxiety, and emotional reactivity, while self-compassion builds emotional resilience and prevents burnout.

Application for mothers: Introduce short guided meditations, breathing exercises, or mindful feeding/walking with the baby. Teach them to speak to themselves as they would to a dear friend — replacing harsh self-criticism with understanding and gentleness.

3. Building Resilience:

Resilience is the capacity to adapt and bounce back from challenges. Motherhood often demands rapid adjustments, sleepless nights, and balancing multiple roles.

How it helps: Positive psychology frames resilience not as an inborn trait but as a skill that can be developed through intentional strategies.

Application for mothers: Support them in reframing setbacks (e.g., a difficult feeding session) as learning opportunities. Encourage problem-solving skills, setting realistic expectations, and practicing optimism to maintain perspective in tough times.

4. Identifying Personal Strengths:

Recognizing and using personal strengths helps mothers feel empowered and capable, especially when motherhood makes them doubt their abilities.

How it helps: Research shows that applying personal strengths in daily life increases self-efficacy, motivation, and happiness.

5. Social Connection and Support Systems:

 strong social connections act as a protective factor against postpartum depression and anxiety. Support networks provide emotional comfort, practical help, and a sense of belonging.

How it helps: Positive psychology views social support as essential for flourishing, not just surviving.

Application for mothers: Encourage building or joining mother’s groups, online communities, or engaging with supportive friends and family. Promote the importance of asking for help without guilt and offering help to others when possible as giving support also boosts well-being. By integrating Applied Positive Psychology into maternal mental health care, we shift the focus from “fixing problems” to nurturing strengths, fostering joy, and building sustainable well-being. These tools not only help mothers cope with the demands of parenthood but also empower them to thrive in their role, finding meaning and fulfillment in their journey.

How We Can Help:

· Normalize seeking help — therapy, counseling, support groups

· Train healthcare providers to screen for maternal mental health issues

· Create safe spaces where mothers can express their feelings without judgment

· Partner with NGOs and community clinics for outreach and awareness.

Supporting maternal mental health isn’t just about preventing illness, it’s about promoting wellness, connection, and healing. When a mother is well, the whole family thrives.

Let’s talk, listen, and care.

BHAWANA LAMICHANEY

Registered Nurse| Mental health  Counsellor

M.A  Counselling Psychology (Specialization in Applied Positive Psychology )

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