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The term “breaking” can represent a variety of themes and meanings with personal struggles which includes relationships, careers, family, motherhood and life. Exploring how these changes happen brings understanding as it gives new perspectives and can encourage people to keep moving forward.
A big theme being seen currently is in how a breaking point appears during motherhood. With personal battles both Meghan Trainor and Stephanie Wu have publicly shared experiences which is shining a light on the difficulties of what can be experienced after delivery.
Meghan has explained in her most recent personal essay the details surrounding her mental state after her second child. She spoke about having a panic attack, experiencing feeling overwhelmed and over exhausted which took her into a dark place after the birth of Barry her son. Her husband Daryl knew her to the point that when she asked for help immediately jumped into action to get her to call her medical professionals and begin the process of bettering her state.
Stephanie Wu experienced her own mental battles through her journey through motherhood. She recalls intrusive thoughts insomnia, despair and that these types of changes had compounded her to feel overwhelmed. She recognizes that many of the symptoms she went through are often not seen as alarming but a result of parenthood yet for many are markers for conditions such as PMAD (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders) which can be both complex and have life changing outcomes.
One recurring point of this conversation is how often those with the struggle feel a stigma attached to asking for the help they truly need. Both mothers in previous segments agreed that it is hard for women to discuss issues such as anxiety and feeling over-worked without judgment.
There are many new moms who also express the same sentiment, explaining a strong fear to speak on the darker aspects of motherhood such as having “negative feelings,” with judgements being placed because their public perception does not meet real needs and the lack of acceptance they feel with this part of life. In addition, some state that it has impacted their view that “ You might get your children taken away” for just wanting help.
In order for those that deal with mental health struggles a major factor in healing has been open conversations. To have figures that are well known share their own experiences they show relatable points to connect people who may also be going through similar events. Those willing to speak may help de stigmatize getting care and change the outlooks on normal emotions. The common thought is if all who struggle start to openly communicate the need it may remove some judgement they might face for not following “typical mom” standards that the public may expect.
There has been an agreement with various mental health experts on a need to prioritize how support is given to new families. Those facing PMADs need accessible treatment which is not what is always happening and some say has even shown to have some long term effects for parents as well as families due to not addressing it early enough. By showcasing the details they bring awareness to important programs, care, understanding, mental health needs, support and much needed understanding which are now starting to become priority within health organizations.
Trainor is currently partnered with Bobbie infant company to advocate for mental health while highlighting how she used her support network. Both of these women’s stories also bring a great light on how leaning into help whether it is mental health, family or outside assistance has made each person find an approach that works best for their needs in their unique circumstance.
With open communication and acknowledging that it is normal to not feel okay all the time these situations can bring awareness to change for many as these conversations grow. The goal would be for other people to feel safe to find comfort in asking for help when they may need it the most through learning from those that have navigated these scenarios.
By understanding that "breaking" can mean something different to everyone these stories highlight unique personal experiences which showcase that in various situations people are all capable of overcoming their battles by creating new plans and direction for their lives even when moments seem bleak. Each story is proof that strength lies in getting past those limitations by doing whatever is required in a given moment.