--- title: "A Lonely Struggle: Motherhood and Mental Health" date: 2024-04-30T22:08:00-04:00 author: Missy Moyer canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/a-lonely-struggle-motherhood-and-mental-health" section: "Stories & Conversations" --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# A Lonely Struggle: Motherhood and Mental Health In this interactive story, nine mothers around the world share the mental health challenges they faced during "the happiest time of their lives." > I think our society talks about motherhood in a language that's about being a good mother, is about being self-sacrificing, it's about being endlessly giving. And sometimes when you don't feel that way, or if you're not acting in that way, you can feel like a failure. [Watch the story ](https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2023/05/health/maternal-mental-health-as-equals-intl-cmd/index.html) SOURCE: CNN • AUTHOR: Carlotta Dotto, Henrik Pettersson, and Marco Chacón • LAST UPDATED: May 1, 2023 ![A Lonely Struggle](data:image/png;base64,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) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health) - [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth) - [ body & mind postpartum](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/body-mind-postpartum) - [anxiety](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/anxiety) - [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth) - [depression](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/depression) - [maternal health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/maternal-health) - [panic attack](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/panic-attack) - [parenting](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/parenting) - [postpartum](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/postpartum) - [social isolation](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/social-isolation) - [therapy (psychotherapy)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/therapy-psychotherapy) - [trauma](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/trauma) - [pregnancy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pregnancy) - [artistic expression](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/artistic-expression) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesLook ## A Brief History of Periods/Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history. ![A Brief History of Periods:Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print](data:image/png;base64,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) Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-brief-history-of-periods-vagina-museum-period-exhibition-print) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Mental Health Issues MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her. ![Marisa](data:image/png;base64,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) MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-mental-health-issues) [ResourcesRead ## A National Paid Leave Program Would Help Workers, Families The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities examines the benefits that would result from a national paid parental leave program. ![22 A National Paid Leave Program Would Help Workers Families 22 scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities examines the benefits that would result from a national paid parental leave program.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-national-paid-leave-program-would-help-workers-families) [ResourcesRead ## A Sex Positive and Transformative Justice Approach to #MeToo This article imagines what accountability for sexual abuse would look like in a sex-positive, anti-carceral world. ![Mihai surdu me too unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) This article imagines what accountability for sexual abuse would look like in a sex-positive, anti-carceral world.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-sex-positive-and-transformative-justice-approach-to-metoo) [ResourcesRead ## A Toolbox for Coping with Anxiety amid Heart Failure Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient. ![lenin-estrada-GCpyNh39kOc-1024x683](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAD4ElEQVRIiXVWW3brNhADQCZxFtg9dFdd57VFoB8zpOWeU0aRaD0G8wCG5D9//0Vqfs3v7++fx+PxePz+Ph6/j5+fx/fPz9f39/z60pwcA5RJAyu4nMtZ9uV42XEcxEgYECH6LIAkahAg+1on7Ef/N/r1m4H6uU+cFEGSrAnI/cHG5d1YXUKSDEgg9T34AUKk5lMSSUmkKN5GxVaXba9ug0hhgCIBmhAQMGBIhqg3MTUGSY6hIUnsg6DKlXcCyysQO04SIkNISoKECQGmn24AUWNoDGpUQKhYVE7uoyMgK0WAiEhCyjoSAAx0K9/UHKTGHBpD40TQydrpeSN1itWG2ubNepnWrv8cc5IdgcZQZ4qUKo6u2X9JBgERlZBJdvoOAJtPc8xxB+AQx4AEfuRnzxtNREIlCJPkw3pxg+oUjVk11hjUvc7CLUVvpE0Pdd2TEEDRksB2rV1pFqlyM8bOfpf6lPez1CgNMBBZ7uP2Uqn3ABRhBjXevutYVz5ZBDDYSieQU5cbwKFHCQ0lNJEipLfj+whRjqcr19qoXKVF8q7VBwCK+CKp8+g4ni3PY31jdFXTQrwxYZvrFJ3b6PAZEjfZFzXudm+tjsyZ4ygRGwnA3Lb6pc2I8r0nLs5seR6bSO4t8Nbu3rdncThB0Go3YCCgQeVgbGdZmi34uh6apoPK2+PphEASO04c9IE+OsXZjTxo2SbvUN4jDsSNFkzbTTl5Y8TBShSsk6muQzqC9B9wTFVtTQg0qYp2ruXq9aAp05Gjth52NaJ0iz+GO4AqQzo5hIpvu61grusCqQFQlLmswvDbOoIEele37vR/N4la2ZCaoc7gvF4XqGEAghZtLcthQoddfSi3aqYXgH0+jajU7spVSXu+XhdJJ6agybE4Q5uOUgBBEqfWgA1gOOnNxGFuYZR1tQ6u5wviMAJBF+YX1+IKHRaZqqQBHRIHD3Exr38CtVnh6XWVotfzCckTpjAWr6Vl2rsMoQNVU+YOyHBZd5YTw8hhfgexAZ5/npRsmAPj4lxc5rKWK4iSWRAROOvLKuurYZzNXe6Vr3vPfBVAGA7Ob66l5eVcTdYuQ8JWWIKyuJxlN0YlbW87oLPQztfzSclgNPG6eHksy5azDBmVoqJ9s9bZ+VleK+sdxMfKXxFcf57UCAbmpVXDy1nJSiuuBEGA6U5SEdg7iGU72cvnSRTAeT1fHI4GX+u6PJaXa5y2UYqrHVXXoB54ZWM4tt1NE+8Oz7leLzoYS2uNsutsL9G9umXQfEUzs3XQ/ixv5Z29C0LOrAVwF8ptt0hxdmy7peGm5Juc93Bcn233kfwLunZ6KN0pD6AAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-toolbox-for-coping-with-anxiety-amid-heart-failure) [ResourcesRead ## A Trauma-Informed Response To Racial Injustice How can adults help young people discuss injustice safely and meaningfully? This resource explores trauma-informed responses to racial injustice. ![Duncan shaffer lo Pr MM Xp IIA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) How can adults help young people discuss injustice safely and meaningfully? This resource explores trauma-informed responses to racial injustice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-trauma-informed-response-to-racial-injustice) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Deciding Where to Give Birth MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital. ![My Story- Deciding Where to Give Birth](data:image/png;base64,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) MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-deciding-where-to-give-birth) [ResourcesRead ## Black Women, Birthing People, and Maternal Mental Health This fact sheet includes nine concrete strategies to remove the structural racism that worsens Black birthing people's mental health. ![A screenshot from the fact sheet of the section entitled: "Key Facts: Black Women, Birthing People, and Maternal Mental Health"](data:image/png;base64,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) This fact sheet includes nine concrete strategies to remove the structural racism that worsens Black birthing people's mental health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-birthing-mental-health)