Motherhood is a beautiful rollercoaster of emotions; one minute you enjoy it but the next minute you wish for some time out. It comes with its fair share of challenges, from the overwhelming demands of caring for a newborn to the pressure to balance work, family and self-care, it’s no wonder that many mothers struggle with their mental well-being.

In this blog, we'll explore the importance of maternal mental health and share top tips to support mental health during this challenging yet joyous time

1. Recognise the Signs: Maternal mental health issues, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, can manifest in various ways. It can be helpful to recognise the signs and symptoms, including persistent sadness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. If these symptoms sound familiar to you please reach out to your health professional or check out Pandas who can provide you with more support.

2. Prioritise Self-Care: Self-care is not selfish; it's a vital aspect of maintaining good mental health, especially for mums. Where possible try and carve out some time for yourself, even if it is just a few minutes over a cuppa or a warm bath. Quiet time away from the daily stressors will help you think more clearly and put things into perspective. Remember, self-care looks different to everyone, and it’s essential to find activities that nourish your mind, which will feel achievable.

3. Seek Support: No mum should have to navigate the challenges of motherhood alone. Please do not be ashamed to ask for help, take as much help as you can get. Whether it be reaching out to supporting friends, family members or support groups. Someone you can trust and vent your thoughts to. We need to normalising seeking help and to remind ourselves it is ok to find it hard and seek help. Do not try and be a superwoman.

4. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness exercises, can help you reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and cultivate a sense of calm amidst the chaos of motherhood. I would encourage you to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine, for example practicing 3-5 deep breaths, this can help lower stress and support well-being.

5. Stay Active: Physical activity is not only beneficial for physical health but also plays a crucial role in maintaining good mental health. Find activities you enjoy, whether it's going for a walk, practising yoga, or dancing to your favourite music. Regular exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters, which can help you feel happier and more energised.

Maternal mental health is a topic that deserves attention, support, and understanding. By recognising the signs, prioritising self-care, seeking support, practising mindfulness, and staying active, you can take proactive steps to nurture your mental well-being, focus on the small steps first. Let's come together to support and uplift each other as we navigate this beautiful, challenging journey of motherhood. Remember, you are not alone, and help is always available. You will find lots more tips like this available on the FIT MAMA app