Celebrating Maternal Mental Health Week 2025: Stronger Together

As a clinical psychologist and a relatively new mother, I’ve had my fair share of sleepless nights, diaper disasters, and a whirlwind of emotions. While I’ve always been passionate about mental health, experiencing motherhood has given me a whole new lens through which to view it—especially when it comes to maternal mental health. This year, the theme for Maternal Mental Health Day was “Stronger Together.", for me that is about coming together, speaking together and working on breaking the stigma together.

Breaking the Stigma

Let's face it: motherhood can be both magical and overwhelming. It’s a beautiful journey, but it’s also filled with challenges that can sometimes feel isolating. Many new mothers, including myself, have felt the weight of societal expectations and the fear of being seen as “not enough.” This is where the stigma around maternal mental health comes into play. When we don’t talk about our struggles, mothers often feel like they are the problem.

But here’s the truth: it’s not about individual failure. It’s about a broken system that often leaves mothers feeling unsupported. By opening up conversations around maternal mental health, we create a sense of community. We remind each other that we’re not alone in this journey, and that sharing our experiences is a powerful step toward healing. Education is a protective factor.

The Power of Community

When we come together to discuss maternal mental health, we foster connections that can be incredibly healing. Sharing stories, offering support, and simply listening can lighten the load for many new mums. It’s amazing how a friendly chat, can transform feelings of isolation into a sense of belonging.

By talking openly, we also educate ourselves and others about the realities of postpartum challenges. Did you know that postpartum depression (PPD) is the most common perinatal complication, affecting about 10-20% of new mothers? Education is a protective factor against many mental health challenges, and understanding that these feelings are common can help reduce the stigma.

Taking Action: What Can We Do?

So, what can we do to support one another? First and foremost, let’s continue to have these important conversations. Whether it’s through social media, community groups (I am hosting the next round of Mama's Circle later this month!), or informal meet-ups, sharing our experiences can help normalize the discussion around maternal mental health.

Here are a few actionable steps we can take:

1. Educate Ourselves and Others: Share resources about maternal mental health and encourage others to seek help if needed.

2. Create Support Networks: Join or start a local mothers’ group where you can share experiences and provide mutual support. Bump&Co, The Family Zone and Mumma's who Move all do amazing community events and make great efforts to connect new mums.

3. Speak up honestly about your experience: Sharing your story and embracing the vulnerability and strength it takes to speak about post-partum helps others do the same.

Conclusion

As we celebrate Maternal Mental Health Week, let’s remember that we are indeed stronger together. By breaking the silence around maternal mental health, we can create a world where mothers feel supported, understood, and empowered. Where entering motherhood isn't such a shock factor. Let’s continue to share our stories, advocate for change, and educate ourselves and others. Together, we can build a supportive community that nurtures the mental well-being of all mothers.

Here’s to all the mums out there—your feelings are valid, and you are not alone, it feels hard because it is hard.