Experts Offer Strategies to Improve Mothers’ Mental Health

Mother’s Day 2025 highlights the need to prioritize the mental health of mothers, whether they are working, stay-at-home, or single parents. As caregivers, mothers often prioritize their families over their own needs, which can lead to mental exhaustion and burnout. Dr. Tonmoy Sharma, a psychiatrist and founder of MerlinHealth, emphasizes the emotional burden mothers carry and the importance of acknowledging their own mental health needs.

### Working Mothers For mothers balancing careers and home life, the challenge can be overwhelming. Here are actionable strategies: – **Set Clear Boundaries**: Avoid letting work responsibilities bleed into personal time. Communicate boundaries to colleagues to minimize work-related interruptions during family time. – **Unplug After Work**: Create a routine to mentally detach from work. Simple actions like silencing your phone can make a significant difference in family interactions. – **Prioritize Self-Care**: Even brief moments of quiet reflection or relaxation can help recharge emotional batteries. Incorporate self-care into daily routines. – **Share Responsibilities**: Collaborate with partners to divide household and childcare duties. This can alleviate mental strain and create a more balanced home environment.

### Stay-at-Home Mothers Stay-at-home mothers may not face external pressures, but internal demands can be equally taxing. Here’s how they can support their mental health: – **Cultivate Personal Interests**: Engage in hobbies or activities outside of caregiving. Establish a ‘me time’ for activities like reading or gardening, which fosters a sense of personal identity. – **Practice Mindfulness**: Incorporate daily practices such as deep breathing or journaling to manage emotional fluctuations effectively. – **Establish a Routine**: A structured daily schedule can minimize feelings of being overwhelmed by household tasks. – **Build a Support Network**: Maintain connections with friends and other mothers. Regular social outings can provide a fresh perspective and emotional support.

### Single Mothers Single mothers face unique challenges, often juggling multiple roles without a safety net. Strategies for managing this complexity include: – **Create a Support System**: Develop a network, even if small, to lighten the load. This can include family, friends, or community groups. – **Use Positive Affirmations**: Remind yourself that perfection is unattainable, and focus on achievable goals. Recognizing small victories can help maintain motivation. – **Set Realistic Expectations**: Accept that doing your best is often sufficient. Adjust your goals to fit your current capacity to reduce pressure.

Dr. Sharma concludes that mothers’ emotional well-being is vital for their families’ health. Taking just ten minutes for oneself daily, saying no when overwhelmed, reaching out for help, and allowing guilt-free rest are crucial steps. A stable and supported mother creates a nurturing environment, benefiting the entire family.

Sumanta Kar, CEO of SOS Children’s Village, adds that mothers shape not only their families but the broader community. Their role in building resilience and instilling values in children is essential for fostering compassionate societies.

This Mother’s Day, it is essential to recognize that mothers require support for their mental health. By taking proactive steps to care for themselves, they can better care for their children and families.