Barriers for mums seeking help - counselling Geelong
Motherhood can involve moments of overwhelming stress, anxiety, and even despair. Unfortunately, many new mums find themselves silently struggling, hesitant to reach out for the support they desperately need. The barriers associated with reaching out can include:
Stigma Surrounding Mental Health: One of the most significant barriers for new mums seeking help is the persistent stigma surrounding mental health issues. Society often paints motherhood as a blissful experience, leaving little room for the acknowledgment of the challenges and emotional toll it can take. This stigma can make new mums feel ashamed or inadequate for experiencing feelings of sadness, anxiety, or depression, causing them to suffer in silence rather than seek the support they need.
Fear of Judgment: New mothers may also fear judgement from others if they admit to struggling with their mental health. They worry about being perceived as unfit mothers or facing criticism from friends, family, or even healthcare providers. This fear can lead to a reluctance to speak up about their struggles and a tendency to put on a facade of happiness even when they are hurting inside.
Lack of Awareness and Education: Another barrier is the lack of awareness and education about maternal mental health issues. Many new mums may not even realise that what they are experiencing is a common mental health condition such as postpartum depression or anxiety. Without understanding the signs and symptoms, they may dismiss their feelings as normal "baby blues" or simply attribute them to the stress of new motherhood.
Limited Access to Resources: Even when new mums recognize that they need help, accessing appropriate resources and support services can be challenging. In some cases, there may be a shortage of mental health professionals with expertise in maternal mental health in their area. Additionally, financial constraints or lack of insurance coverage may further limit their options for seeking help.
Cultural and Societal Expectations: Cultural and societal expectations surrounding motherhood can also act as barriers for new mums seeking help. In many cultures, there is a strong emphasis on mothers being self-sacrificing and putting their children's needs above their own. This can create feelings of guilt or selfishness in new mums who consider prioritising their own mental health needs.
Logistical Challenges: The practicalities of seeking help can also pose barriers, especially those with young infants. Finding childcare, scheduling appointments around feeding and nap times, and arranging transportation to and from appointments can all present significant challenges, making it easier to put off seeking help altogether.
Breaking down these barriers and fostering a culture of openness and support for new mums is essential for ensuring the well-being of both mothers and their children. It requires a collective effort from healthcare providers, policymakers, communities, and individuals to prioritise maternal mental health and provide accessible, stigma-free support services.
As a society, we must work towards creating environments where new mums feel empowered to speak up about their struggles without fear of judgement or stigma. By destigmatizing maternal mental health issues, raising awareness, improving access to resources, and challenging unrealistic expectations, we can ensure that every new mom receives the support and care she deserves on her journey through motherhood.
We at Nurture feel very passionately about supporting the mental health of mothers.