A Mamas Mental Health Journey

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There was a time, not long ago, when I was completely overwhelmed ALL THE TIME.

Three kids, one military husband, a house to manage, and my own mental health quietly unraveling beneath it all. About a year ago, I hit a wall. I was tired, deeply anxious, constantly in a loop of stress-clean-organize-repeat. And I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was slipping into something darker.

How I Got Here

We were living far from family. Again. As a military spouse, every move meant rebuilding a village. Postpartum depression had hit hard after my third child was born during the pandemic, and honestly, it never really went away.

I wasn’t sleeping well. I was crying more days than not. I felt sluggish, like my mind was always sprinting but my body couldn’t keep up.

Eventually, thankfully, my husband gently urged me to talk to someone. Therapy. Doctors. Evaluation. So many layers to peel back. So many unanswered questions finally giving some clarity.

Trying to Heal

I tried multiple ADHD medications. They just didn’t sit right with me. They were too intense, and too off. But the anxiety and depression meds? They helped. I didn’t expect miracles, but they gave me just enough breathing room.

Instead of crying two or three times a day, I now find myself crying maybe once every week or two.

This life is still chaotic. I’m still that go-go-go mom who struggles to slow down. But now I’m learning that rest is not laziness. That asking for help is not failure. That mental health matters, especially for moms who are holding so many pieces together.

The Emotional Weight

It’s hard to talk about. But here’s the truth:

I miss my family.
I don’t always feel like I’m doing enough.
I have days when I feel like I’m failing at everything.
And I’ve had moments when coffee felt like the only thing keeping me upright.

But I’ve also had days filled with light:

A good therapy session.
A real belly laugh with my kids.
A clean room that felt like a breath of fresh air.
A hug from my husband that reminded me I’m not alone.

Or an “I Love You Mama” which is the best of the best kind of medicine.

The Wins

Progress looks different for everyone. For me, it’s:

• Crying less often
• Showing up to appointments
• Saying “no” when I need to
• Drinking a cup of coffee while it’s warm

Final Thoughts

To any mom out there reading this—especially those who feel like they’re barely holding it together, you’re not alone. Whether you’re struggling with postpartum, anxiety, ADHD, or just the exhausting grind of motherhood, know this: it’s okay to get help. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to not be okay.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that it’s perfectly okay to seek help. Therapy has taught me valuable coping strategies, helping me accept it’s fine to pause and rest. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

To all my fellow mamas sipping coffee and trying to hold it all together, take a deep breath, reach out for help if you need it, and know you’re never truly alone in this journey.

We are strong. We are trying. And we deserve care too.

FAQ: A Mamas Mental Health Journey

What is this blog post about?
This post shares a mom’s personal mental health journey through postpartum depression, anxiety, ADHD, and motherhood, offering encouragement and hope to others in similar situations.

How can moms seek help for mental health struggles?
Moms can seek help by talking to a doctor or therapist, exploring treatment options, reaching out to support groups, and asking loved ones for support.

Is it normal to feel overwhelmed as a mom?
Yes. Parenting is demanding, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed at times. What matters is recognizing when you need help and knowing it’s okay to ask for it.