By Sara Gena Israel, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Each May, two important observances bring mental health into focus. Mental Health Awareness Month invites everyone to learn, talk openly, and take steps toward better mental wellness. Maternal Mental Health Month shines a light on the unique mental health needs of mothers and birthing people during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
Together, these observances remind us that mental health belongs to everyone, and that some seasons of life deserve extra care.
Why Mental Health Awareness Month Matters
One in five adults in the United States lives with a mental health condition. Many never seek help because of stigma, cost, or simply not knowing where to start. Mental Health Awareness Month works to change that by encouraging:
- Open conversations about mental wellness
- Earlier recognition of symptoms
- Reduced stigma around seeking care
- Greater access to mental health resources
Mental health is as important as physical health. Taking care of your mind supports every part of your life, from relationships to work to physical well-being.
Try this: Pick one small step this month to support your mental wellness. It could be a daily walk, a screen-free hour before bed, or simply telling someone how you really feel.
Why Maternal Mental Health Month Matters
Pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum season bring some of life’s biggest changes. Hormones shift. Sleep is interrupted. Identity, relationships, and daily routines all transform. It is no surprise that this season can also bring real mental health challenges.
Maternal mental health conditions are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth. Common conditions include:
- Perinatal depression
- Perinatal anxiety
- Postpartum OCD
- Postpartum PTSD
- Postpartum psychosis (rare but serious)
These conditions can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or how much a baby is loved and wanted. They are medical conditions, not personal failings, and they are treatable with the right support.
Try this: If you are pregnant or postpartum, check in with yourself today. Ask: How am I really feeling? What do I need more of right now? What can I let go of?
Signs to Watch For
Whether you are caring for your own mental wellness or supporting someone else, knowing the signs makes a difference. Common signs of a mental health concern include:
- Sadness or hopelessness that does not lift
- Excessive worry, fear, or panic
- Trouble sleeping, even when exhausted
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Difficulty bonding with your baby (postpartum)
- Intrusive or scary thoughts
- Feeling disconnected from yourself or others
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others
If any of these last more than two weeks, or feel overwhelming at any point, reach out for support. Help is available, and recovery is possible.
Small Steps That Support Mental Wellness
You do not need to overhaul your life to care for your mental health. Small, steady choices add up over time. Try one or two of these this month:
- Move your body. A short walk, gentle stretching, or dancing in the kitchen all count.
- Nourish your mind. Add brain-supportive foods like leafy greens, berries, and healthy fats.
- Protect your sleep. Aim for a consistent bedtime, even on weekends.
- Connect with someone. Send a text, make a call, or share a meal with someone you trust.
- Pause and breathe. One minute of slow breathing can calm your nervous system.
- Limit comparison. Take a break from social media if it leaves you feeling worse.
These small choices reflect the heart of the Balanced Mind Framework™, which supports mental wellness through nourishment, movement, restorative sleep, emotional regulation, and mental clarity.
Faith, Prayer, and Inner Peace
For many people, spiritual practices are an important source of comfort, hope, and inner peace. Research shows that prayer, meditation, and quiet reflection can ease anxiety, reduce stress, and support emotional well-being. Whether through faith, mindfulness, or moments of stillness, these practices help quiet the mind and reconnect us to what matters most.
A few simple ways to invite peace into your day:
- Begin with stillness. Spend a few quiet moments each morning before reaching for your phone.
- Pray or reflect. Speak honestly, give thanks, or simply rest in silence.
- Read or listen. Sacred texts, devotionals, or calming music can soothe a tired mind.
- Practice gratitude. Name three things you are thankful for, especially on hard days.
- Breathe with intention. Pair slow breathing with a meaningful word, prayer, or phrase.
Inner peace does not mean the absence of struggle. It is the calm that grows when we care for our mind, body, and spirit together.
How to Support Someone You Love
If someone in your life is struggling, your support matters more than you may realize. You do not need to have all the answers. You just need to show up.
- Listen without fixing. Sometimes people need to be heard, not solved.
- Ask directly. “How are you really doing?” opens the door for honest conversation.
- Offer practical help. A meal, a ride, or watching the baby for an hour can lift a heavy load.
- Encourage care. Gently suggest professional support when needed.
- Stay present. Healing is not linear. Keep checking in.
Crisis Support Is Always Available
If you or someone you love is in crisis, help is here right now:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Postpartum Support International Helpline: Call or text 1-800-944-4773 (English) or text 1-971-203-7773 (Spanish)
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262), available 24/7 in English and Spanish
- Emergency: Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room
Balanced Mind Mental Health: Your Partner in Care and Wellness
This May, take a moment to honor your own mental wellness and the mental wellness of those around you. Awareness is the first step. Action is the next.
As Proverbs 17:22 reminds us, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” True wellness includes the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. At Balanced Mind Mental Health, care is rooted in the Balanced Mind Framework™, supporting whole-person mental wellness across every season of life.
If you are ready to take the next step, contact Balanced Mind Mental Health to learn more or get started.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health. Mental Illness. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
- Postpartum Support International. Perinatal Mental Health Conditions. Retrieved from https://www.postpartum.net
- Health Resources & Services Administration. National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Retrieved from https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
- American College of Lifestyle Medicine. The Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.lifestylemedicine.org
Disclaimer: If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.
This information is for educational purposes only (regardless of date or topic), offering generalized details. It is NOT comprehensive and does not include all relevant information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks for specific patients. It aims to aid understanding of mental health conditions or treatments, not to replace medical advice or the evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a healthcare provider tailored to an individual’s unique circumstances. Always consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan. This information does not endorse any treatment or medication as safe, effective, or approved. Balanced Mind Mental Health and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability associated with this information or its use.
