In honor of Maternal Mental Health Month, we asked what you really wanted to know about mental health in motherhood, and brought in an expert to help. Because while every journey is different, one thing’s the same: no one should have to figure it all out alone.
Meet Becca Hamilton, a PMH-C therapist and maternal mental health expert with Mère—a virtual platform offering holistic, collaborative care from conception through every stage of motherhood. Their team of compassionate, skilled providers work together to deliver personalized support for every chapter of your maternal journey. We took your most pressing questions to Becca, and here’s what she had to say:
What are common mental health challenges for moms?
Emotional burnout, baby blues, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts, PTSD.
How can I tell if what I'm feeling is more than the “baby blues"?
The baby blues are incredibly common as they usually show up around day 3 and fade by week 2. You might cry more easily, feel overwhelmed, or find that your emotions are dysregulated (or all over the place).
If the sadness, anxiety, or disconnection lingers beyond two weeks or starts to interfere with your ability to sleep, eat, or care for yourself or your baby, it could be more than the baby blues. That is not your fault! It is a sign that your nervous system needs some extra care and support.
What are the signs of postpartum depression and anxiety?
The signs of postpartum depression are: SAD MOM
- Sleep disturbances
- Appetite changes
- Despair
- Mood swings
- Overwhelmed
- Motivation loss
The signs of postpartum anxiety are: RACING
- Restless
- Avoidance
- Constant worry
- Irritability
- Nighttime dread
- Guilt
Remember: If you are experiencing these symptoms, it does not make you a bad mom. It makes you a mom who needs care, too. If you are experiencing these symptoms for more than two weeks, it is a sign support is needed and deserved.
How can family and friends support a mom struggling with her mental health?
- Sit with her. Hold space without needing to "fix it"
- Gently suggest that she speak with a PMH-C therapist or provider
- Drop off a meal, fold some laundry, ask to help hold or rock her baby
- Keep showing up, even if she seems distant
-
Remind her that you are here, and she is not alone
How much is normal to cry and when is it time to get help?
Tearfulness is very common in the early postpartum weeks. But if you are crying every day for more than the first two weeks after birth, feeling constantly hopeless, or unable to shake the overwhelm, that is your cue to seek more support. You do not have to wait until you feel worse to seek help.
A Message from Becca
Mama, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or not like yourself, please remember this:
You are not broken. You are not alone. And you are not a bad mom. In fact, the opposite is true! Your mental health matters just as much as your baby’s feeding schedule or sleep stretches. You deserve care, too. You deserve the kind of care that sees you as a whole person, not just a parent.
There is no shame in needing support. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness, it is a brave, powerful step toward healing. Whether it is talking to your provider, reaching out to a therapist, or confiding in someone you trust, you do not have to carry this alone.
Please note this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider with any concerns.