We’re often told that motherhood is one of the most meaningful experiences in life. While there is a lot of truth to this, motherhood also sometimes comes along with a range of mental health difficulties, changes in identity, and pressure to meet impossible standards. All of this is also happening while many mothers are trying to care for their families.
Even though these experiences are extremely common, there is still a lot of silence and misunderstanding around maternal mental health. Too many mothers feel like they need to be calm, patient, and grateful, even if they’re actually finding it hard to cope.
Because of the expectations and stigma around maternal mental illness, this article hopes to address the myths about how women are “supposed” to be during motherhood and the ways to overcome them.
Founded in 2010, A Mission For Michael (AMFM) offers specialized mental health care across California, Minnesota, and Virginia. Our accredited facilities provide residential and outpatient programs, utilizing evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR.
Our dedicated team of licensed professionals ensures every client receives the best care possible, supported by accreditation from The Joint Commission. We are committed to safety and personalized treatment plans.
Why Mental Health Can Change After Becoming a Parent
Becoming a parent changes nearly every aspect of your life, from sleep and responsibilities to priorities and hormone changes. These changes can have a significant impact on motherhood identity and mental health.
Mental health challenges are very common after becoming a parent. Even when you deeply love your child, you may still experience depression, anxiety, or overwhelm. In fact, postpartum mood disorders, like depression and anxiety, are experienced in about 10% of women after giving birth.1
Recognizing that the emotional challenges in motherhood are more common than you realize can help you understand that you’re not alone and help is available.
5 Common Myths About Motherhood and Mental Illness
The misconceptions around motherhood and mental health often create shame or self-doubt when you’re already finding it hard to cope. But challenging these maternal mental health misconceptions can make it easier for you to prioritize your well-being rather than compare yourself to anyone else. These common myths include:
Myth #1: “Good Mothers Don’t Have Mental Health Issues”
A hugely inaccurate maternal mental health misconception is that if you’re dealing with mental health issues, that means you’re not a good mother. But mental health conditions affect people from every background, with research showing that nearly one in five adults experiences a mental health condition each year.2 You can still be very committed to and love your child while also dealing with maternal stress and depression.
Myth #2: “Motherhood Should Always Feel Joyful”
We often get bombarded with messages that portray motherhood as a constant source of happiness and fulfillment. While you’ll experience a lot of joy in parenting, it is only one part of the emotional experience. The reality is that motherhood also involves a lot of fatigue, uncertainty, and parental guilt and anxiety. You’ll experience a range of emotions, some of which will even occur together, like happiness and exhaustion.
Myth #3: “I’m Weak if I Need Therapy”
A lot of people think that needing therapy makes them weak. While attitudes around mental health and therapy have changed, there is still a lot of stigma. Surveys show that 35% of people still say they would view someone differently if they knew they had a mental health condition.3
Though there is stigma that still exists, the reality is that getting help is often one of the most responsible choices you can make as a parent. Taking care of your own well-being allows you more space to be there for your kids. Therapy for mothers provides a space to process emotions, build coping skills, and address stress in a nurturing environment.
Myth #4: “I Should Be Able to Do Everything on My Own”
Our culture often suggests that, as a mother, you should manage every responsibility on your own. But having this expectation can increase stress and create unrealistic standards. Parenting has rarely been done alone and often includes a community of people. Trying to manage everything alone can worsen maternal stress and depression, especially if you’re already dealing with other issues.
Myth #5: “My Mental Health Will Never Improve”
When you’re dealing with mental health issues, it can feel as though they’ll never go away. This belief can often prevent mothers from seeking professional help because they feel hopeless and helpless. But the reality is that mental health issues respond well to support and treatment. It’s also important to know that if left untreated, issues like postpartum depression can last for months or years, making them feel like they’ll never end.4
How to Overcome These Myths and Protect Your Mental Health
For many parents, it’s challenging to maintain emotional well-being while also caring for children. But small changes can help you overcome these myths about motherhood while protecting your long-term wellness
1. Prioritize Self-Compassion
As a parent, you’re likely holding yourself to extremely high standards. Recognize that mental health struggles are normal and a natural part of being a parent. Practice self-compassion by giving yourself the same kindness you would a loved one. Giving yourself some compassion allows you to realize that mistakes and challenges are part of the parenting journey and of being human.
2. Create Space for Emotions
Give yourself the time and space to feel what you’re feeling. Emotions are a natural part of life, and it’s okay if you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or other overwhelming emotions around parenting. Try acknowledging and recognizing your emotions through practices like journaling, mindfulness, or quiet reflection. These practices can help support your emotional balance during challenging times.
3. Connect With Support Systems
Motherhood doesn’t mean you have to do everything on your own. It also doesn’t mean you have to keep all your emotions to yourself. Surround yourself with supportive people, family, friends, and other parents, with whom you can talk about your struggles. Parenting support groups are also helpful in realizing you are likely experiencing similar situations to other mothers.
4. Seek Professional Guidance When Needed
Seeking professional guidance when you’re finding it hard to manage is an important part of coping with mental health as a parent. Therapy and counseling can give you the tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, and address underlying concerns so you can be present with your children.
Mental Health Support for Mothers at AMFM Healthcare
Motherhood can bring a lot of joy, but it can also come with emotional strain that no one should have to deal with alone. At AMFM Healthcare, our residential mental health program offers you a safe environment where you can focus on healing. With personalized treatment, including evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, alongside a parenting skills program, we help you address motherhood identity and mental health concerns.
If you or someone you love is finding it hard to manage maternal mental health, reaching out for help can be the first step toward stability and renewed well-being.
FAQs About Emotional Challenges in Motherhood
Questions about emotional challenges in motherhood are common, especially for mothers who are dealing with mental health concerns while also caring for their families. The following answers address some of the most common concerns surrounding mental health during motherhood.
What Is Maternal Mental Health?
Maternal mental health is about addressing a mother’s overall emotional, social, and mental well-being both during pregnancy and after childbirth. It covers the mental health challenges many mothers experience and includes how mothers cope and manage emotions while caring for their children and themselves.
Is Postpartum Depression Common?
Yes, postpartum depression is extremely common. Research shows that it affects about one in seven women after childbirth.1
Why Is Mental Illness in Mothers Often Misunderstood?
Mental illness in mothers is often misunderstood because of the unrealistic expectations about motherhood. Society often suggests that mothers should always be happy, joyful, patient, and emotionally strong. These beliefs contribute to the stigma around maternal mental illness, which can make it difficult for mothers to talk openly about their struggles.
How Can AMFM Healthcare Help With Mental Health During Motherhood?
At AMFM Healthcare, we can help with mental health during motherhood by providing evidence-based approaches that help you address complex emotional challenges. Along with family and education support groups, our program helps mothers build healthier coping skills and work toward long-term wellness.
References
- Amer, S., Zaitoun, N., Abdelsalam, H., Abbas, A., Ramadan, M., Ayal, H., Ba-Gais, S., Basha, N., Allahham, A., Agyenim, E., & Al-Shroby, W. (2024). Exploring Predictors and Prevalence of Postpartum Depression among Mothers: Multinational study. BMC Public Health, 24(1), 1308. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18502-0
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2025, December 22). Mental health by the numbers. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/mental-health-by-the-numbers/
- DeAngelis, T. (2025, September 1). Beliefs about mental health have evolved, but stigma remains. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/09/mental-health-stigma
- Berger, F. (2024, July 17). Postpartum depression. Penn Medicine. https://www.pennmedicine.org/conditions/postpartum-depression
