A Compassionate Guide to Maternal Mental Health

Written By marisa ronquillo

Motherhood can be one of the most beautiful and meaningful journeys in a person’s life — but it’s not without its struggles. From the moment pregnancy begins, life changes in ways that are hard to fully prepare for. Amid the joy, bonding, and love, there can also be moments of sadness, overwhelm, fear, and deep emotional exhaustion.

If you’re feeling like you’re supposed to be “soaking it all in” but instead find yourself anxious, disconnected, or not quite like yourself — know this: you’re not alone, and what you’re feeling is valid.

Honoring the Emotional Complexity of Motherhood

Maternal mental health includes everything from the emotional highs of new motherhood to the harder parts we don’t talk about enough: the sadness, the irritability, or the worry that won’t go away. These struggles are often not talked about openly due to the potential shame one might feel for sharing such experiences. It’s important to know that these experiences are common and need to be discussed to help decrease the intensity of the emotions and shame around the experience.

Here are a few common maternal mental health experiences:

  • The “Baby Blues”: Up to 80% of new moms experience mood swings, weepiness, and overwhelm during the first two weeks postpartum. This experience is typical due to the drastic hormonal shifts that occur after birth. These feelings are common and typically ease with rest, support, and time.

  • Postpartum Depression (PPD): More than just sadness — PPD can involve loss of interest, fatigue, trouble bonding with your baby, or feeling like you're failing as a parent. It’s treatable, and you deserve support.

  • Postpartum Anxiety: Racing thoughts, excessive worry about your baby’s safety, trouble sleeping (even when the baby sleeps), and physical symptoms like a tight chest or stomach discomfort.

  • Postpartum Psychosis: This is rare but serious. It includes confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, or detachment from reality. It requires immediate medical care.

Each person’s experience is different, and symptoms don’t always show up right after birth — they can begin during pregnancy or several months postpartum.

When Is It Time to Reach Out?

If feelings of sadness, worry, or irritability last longer than two weeks, interfere with daily life, or feel like too much to carry alone — it’s time to ask for help. And there is help.

Reaching out doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re brave enough to care for yourself — and in doing so, you’re caring for your child, too.

Local Support in the Sacramento Area

If you're in the Sacramento area, here are some trusted local resources where you can find compassionate, informed support:

National Resources That Care

Whether you’re seeking information, peer support, or someone to talk to, these national organizations offer compassionate, accessible help:

  • 🌼 Postpartum Support International (PSI)
    Free online support groups, a warmline to talk or text, and a provider directory.
    Visit PSI
    📞 Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 (Text “HELLO” to 800-944-4773)

  • 💛 National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (HRSA)
    24/7, confidential support in English and Spanish.
    Learn More
    📞 Call or Text: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)

  • 🌎 SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator
    Find maternal mental health providers anywhere in the U.S.
    Visit SAMHSA Locator

Nurturing Mental Health in Motherhood: Gentle Tips

Here are some gentle reminders and practices that can support your emotional well-being during this tender time:

1. Rest When Possible

Sleep deprivation is real. It’s okay if dishes pile up or texts go unanswered. Prioritize moments of rest, even if they’re short.

2. Connect with Others

Talk to people who make you feel safe — a friend, partner, family member, or a therapist. You don’t have to go through this alone.

3. Say Yes to Help

Let someone bring you food, fold laundry, or watch the baby while you nap. Accepting help is a gift for everyone involved. Reframing “I don’t want to be a burden” to “I get a break, and a trusted loved one gets special bonding time with baby”

4. Journal or Reflect

Writing down your thoughts, fears, or daily wins (big or small) can offer clarity and relief.

5. Take Small Moments for You

A hot shower, a walk outside, or 10 minutes of quiet with tea can do wonders. These aren’t luxuries — they’re essential care.

You Deserve Support

The pressure to “bounce back” or be endlessly grateful is unrealistic and often harmful. It’s okay to hold joy and struggle at the same time. Motherhood is complex — and so are you.

If you’re feeling heavy, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to do next, know this: help is here. Whether you talk to a professional, join a support group, or just tell someone close to you how you’re really feeling — that step matters. You matter.

Let’s normalize asking for help. Let’s support each other. Let’s make space for the full, honest experience of motherhood.

If Insightful Roots Therapy can be part of your support team, we’d be honored to walk alongside you. Our holistic therapy services include support for postpartum depression, anxiety, birth trauma, identity shifts, and more.

👉 Contact us here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation or learn more.

marisa ronquillo
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Navigating Postpartum Anxiety