sway stories no.1 - anonymous mama, age 37
who’s in my family - myself and my six year old daughter
my mental health was most challenged by. . .
My relationship breakdown.
mumming has strengthened my mental health by teaching me…
Self-worth, staying present, and trusting that everything will work out — because it will. My purpose is to create a beautiful life for my daughter, and to do that, I strive to become the best version of myself. We're all navigating this journey together, and it's incredibly uplifting to feel such support and connection through our shared experiences as mums.
the most surprising this about mumming has been . . .
How the different stages of mumming can challenge and sometimes break you in so many ways. Just so many emotions and deep feels.
the most challenging stage of mumming has been…
Co-parenting. We have such different parenting styles and my ex is very controlling and narcissistic.
navigating mumming and my career has been…
Really hard, especially being a solo mum, I’m just so time poor. Being a mum has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I cherish every moment with my daughter so finding the right balance between mumming and paid work has been tough.
the impact on my relationship/s has been . . .
My relationship broke down but I’ve felt that my family and friends have been so supportive. I am so grateful.
in what ways has mumming changed or challenged my identity…
A reality check, we are role models for our little people. Being mindful of what we say and how we treat ourselves is so important.
the most beautiful parts of mumming are…
There is no love like the love you have for your little person. If I was an animal I would be a silverback gorilla. I love to hug my daughter sleep, I love her personality and spirit. Watching her grow and adapt to everyday life. Time flies so quickly. I still to this day go through my phone gallery looking at photos from baby photos to current. I could never lose my phone.
I wish I was better prepared for…
I never had expectations to be honest. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy though but I also knew I would love every minute.
while mumming I’ve experienced…
Anxiety
Depression
Burnout
Relationship Breakdown
Intrusive thoughts
have you accessed any professional support for your mental health while mumming? Yes
Show the full picture on socials - the joy and the exhaustion.
Less judgement and criticism and more support for mum’s to follow their gut, value themselves and know what’s best for their babies. Mumma knows best. You’ve got this!
what wisdom would you give your pre mumming self?
You have no idea how deeply this journey will change you, not just your routines, but your identity, your heart, your limits and your strength.
what supports, services or hacks have helped you with mumming and your mental health?
PANDA and the loving support from my family and friends.
panda.org.au 1300 726 306
is there anything you would like to add about your experience of mumming and mental health?
Motherhood is beautiful — but it’s also overwhelming, isolating, and relentless at times. The mental load is real. The emotional weight is constant. The pressure to be “grateful” even when you’re depleted can be crushing.
Too often, mums suffer in silence because the world expects us to be endlessly strong, selfless and smiling.
BUT the truth is you can love your child deeply and still struggle with your mental health.
You can be grateful and exhausted at the same time.
You’re allowed to miss your old self, even as you grow into someone new.
Having dark thoughts doesn’t make you a bad mum, it makes you human.
Asking for help is not weakness. It’s bravery in its rawest form.
We need to create a culture where maternal mental health is prioritized, not dismissed. Where check-ins don’t stop after six weeks postpartum. Where “How are you?” means more than “How’s the baby?”
We need to stop glamorizing burnout and start honoring the emotional labor of motherhood.
together we sway
xo
