In Canada, on average, 23% of mothers are dealing with some sort of mental disorder. The ability or desire to talk to someone may not always be present. Even if there is an individual that a mother can reach out to, she may not. Voices inside her own head, left there from anxiety and depression, tell her differently. While it may be easy to say ‘All you have to do is…’, please understand that it may be more worthwhile if you reach out. Even if it’s just to say that you’re coming over to drop off a meal or a cup of coffee, a visit – just to visit – can have a positive impact on the mother’s mental health (it does with me).
As many of you may have heard, one of the original mommy bloggers, Heather Armstrong, passed away via suicide (full story can be found here). Unfortunately, she’s not the first. Also unfortunately, she may not be the last. If you know her story, you know she had her fair share of struggles.
I would like to re-emphasize this: if you are aware that a mother may be struggling, touch base. There are red flags that have been thrown up, but can be easily missed. People get busy, so it’s understandable if you’re not able to commit to anything right off the bat. However, all it takes is a moment to reach out to touch base. You very well may be opening the door for someone who now has an avenue to seek help. If an individual knows that someone is in their corner, no matter what, a large load it taken off their shoulders. You never know what someone is going through and the struggle that they my be facing behind closed doors.
Island of Misfit Mamas 