Maternal Mental Health Week: Why Raising Awareness Matters

Every year, the first week of May marks Maternal Mental Health Week, a time dedicated to shining a light on the emotional well-being of mothers during pregnancy and the postpartum period. While the physical demands of motherhood are often discussed, the mental and emotional struggles many mothers face remain in the shadows—misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and often untreated.

The Hidden Struggle

Motherhood is often idealised as a time of joy and bonding, but for many women, it also brings overwhelming feelings of anxiety, sadness, and isolation. One in five women experience perinatal mental health issues such as postpartum depression, anxiety, or PTSD. These are not rare, fleeting feelings—they are serious conditions that can affect a mother’s health, her baby’s development, and the overall well-being of the family.

And yet, the stigma around maternal mental health remains strong. Many mothers feel pressure to appear “strong” or “grateful,” which can lead to silence and suffering in isolation. When society doesn’t talk openly about these struggles, it sends the message that they are abnormal or shameful—when in fact, they are both common and treatable.

Why Awareness Matters

Raising awareness during Maternal Mental Health Week isn’t just about talking—it’s about changing outcomes.

• Reducing Stigma: Normalising the conversation allows mothers to seek help without fear of judgment.

• Early Intervention: When families and healthcare providers recognize the signs, they can intervene early—before symptoms become severe.

• Better Health Outcomes: Mental health support leads to healthier mothers and stronger parent-child bonds.

• Policy Change: Awareness can drive policy improvements around maternal leave, access to mental health care, and family support services.

What You Can Do

You don’t have to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Here are a few ways to support Maternal Mental Health Week:

• Listen and validate: If someone opens up about their struggles, respond with compassion, not advice.

• Share resources: Post about maternal mental health on social media or share helpline numbers.

• Support organisations: Donate or volunteer with groups that support maternal well-being.

• Advocate for change: Push for better healthcare policies that recognize mental health as a priority in maternal care.

Every mother deserves support—not just for her baby’s health, but for her own. Maternal Mental Health Week is a reminder that behind every mother is a human being whose emotional well-being matters deeply. By raising awareness, we take one step closer to a world where no mother has to suffer in silence.

If you have resonated with anything in the post and want to talk to one of the team, please get in touch and book an assessment. You're not alone.