Motherhood can be a deeply fulfilling experience, yet it also comes with challenges that can feel overwhelming, particularly when it comes to mental health. The demands of pregnancy, birth, and parenting can impact mental wellbeing, and many mothers can find it difficult to express their concerns, leaving them feeling unheard or unsupported.
This year’s Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week theme, "Your Voice, Your Strength," highlights the importance of open conversations and encourages mothers to share their experiences and seek support if they need it. It reinforces the message that every mother's journey through pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting matters.
Through the anonymised dataset we have from our Shout text service, discussions about maternal challenges appear in approximately 1% of all conversations and topics. In this article we delve into what we know about maternal mental health and why encouraging open conversations is so important to support mothers on their maternal journey.
What our Shout data tells us about maternal mental health
In 2024, we estimate that our volunteers took more than 6,500 conversations with 3,850 mothers and expectant mothers, seeking support for caregiving, pregnancy, and mental health concerns. Thematic analysis of a random selection of these conversations highlights a range of difficulties including challenges with caregiving, pregnancy loss, unplanned pregnancies, postpartum mental health struggles, infertility, and the impact of mental health conditions on pregnancy and parenting.
Many texters described feeling overwhelmed by the demands of childcare, work, and household responsibilities, while some navigated the complexities of single parenthood or raising children with additional needs. Texters who had experienced pregnancy loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, or termination expressed deep grief, guilt, and self-blame. Unplanned pregnancies led to uncertainty and fear, particularly among younger texters.
Some texters struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety shared distressing thoughts, such as fears of harming their baby; despite having no intention of doing so or feeling that their baby would be better off without them. Others discussed infertility and conception challenges, describing emotional distress intensified by societal pressures and the demands of fertility treatments. Additionally, past trauma and life stressors further complicated pregnancy and parenting, making daily responsibilities even more difficult to manage.
Isolation was a recurring theme, with many texters expressing feelings of being trapped and unsupported, often reluctant to share their experiences. Their hesitation aligns with broader research findings and highlights factors such as the pressure to appear strong, fear of judgement, concerns about being perceived as unfit mothers, and guilt over difficulties in balancing responsibilities or bonding with their babies. Additionally, a lack of support from partners and feelings of being misunderstood or unacknowledged further contributed to their sense of loneliness.
Without safe spaces to discuss their mental health concerns, many texters internalised their emotions, leading to increased sadness and distress. This emotional burden often affected their ability to bond with their baby, maintain relationships, and cope with the challenges of motherhood.
At Shout, our dedicated volunteers create a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space where mothers can share their mental health concerns freely. They offer support and understanding, and help texters feel heard, validated, and empowered to seek help without fear of stigma or judgement. 85% of texters seeking support for maternal challenges found the conversation helpful, and approximately two-thirds (70%) felt calmer afterward.
“Thank you for taking the time, effort and patience in listening to me” - texter feedback
The importance of open conversations about maternal mental health
There are a number of barriers that can prevent women from opening up about their thoughts and feelings, such as societal expectations, stigma and fear of judgement, feelings of guilt and comparison and not feeling like they have a support network to talk to.
When these concerns go unaddressed, they can lead to long-term mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or postpartum conditions. They may also impact a mother’s ability to bond with her baby and manage daily responsibilities.
However, discussing mental health openly offers numerous benefits. It provides reassurance, reduces feelings of loneliness, and reminds mothers that they are not alone in their struggles. The phrase ‘it takes a village’ is apt, finding community is important to support wellbeing, and connecting with others offers a sense of support and validation, making the challenges of motherhood feel more manageable. Expressing emotions also plays a crucial role in strengthening mental wellbeing, as unaddressed feelings can contribute to anxiety and depression. Additionally, opening up allows mothers to process their emotions, seek help, and find constructive solutions to their challenges. Beyond individual benefits, encouraging open discussions promotes awareness, reduces stigma, and helps create a more compassionate and supportive environment for all mothers.
Motherhood is an incredible but complicated journey, and it varies for everyone. The conversations we see at Shout reveal the challenges mothers face, with many sharing feelings of isolation and self-doubt. It is a clear reminder of the importance of accessible, compassionate and non-judgemental support.
Encouraging mothers to speak about their mental health requires normalising conversations on the topic and creating safe spaces where their experiences are acknowledged and validated. A supportive environment can help mothers feel heard, understood, and more comfortable discussing their mental well-being without fear of judgement. Awareness campaigns such as Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week help reinforce the important message that every mother’s voice matters. Open conversations break down stigma and foster a culture of care and understanding. When mothers feel heard, they are better able to navigate motherhood and prioritise their wellbeing.