Mama, you are allowed to be imperfect.
There is no shame in admitting you need help.
There is no shame in admitting you have feelings of depression.
There is no shame in admitting you feel anxious.
There is no shame in seeking out a better way to live.
Yet so many women suffer in silence.
I’ve spoken to countless women who have shared of their struggles, their endless tears, thoughts of unworthiness to raise their children, feelings of inadequacy as a wife and how they even wondered if their existence is worth it. Getting out of bed is a struggle, joy is something of the past and leaving the house creates more stress than it’s worth.
I see you crying into your pillow. I hear your unspoken words of guilt and shame as you try to make sense of it all. I feel your hurt and unanswered question of “Why am I feeling this way when I have so much to be thankful for?”
All of these feelings are valid. All these feelings don’t diminish who you are as a person, woman, mother, wife, daughter and friend. And you don’t have to deal with what you’re feeling alone. Even though you’re probably feeling alone.
Brene Brown, a leading researcher on shame, says that our shame diminishes when spoken. So speak about it with someone you trust—your partner, a friend or even blurt it out to a stranger. The very act of speaking about it is the first step in getting help for it.
There is help available at the tip of your finger. Call someone or seek a professional to help you work through it. A friend or partner is a great sounding board, but if your feelings are hurting you and your family and are overwhelming, then a professional person is the best place to start on your healing journey.
It’s time to break the silence and stigma. Reach out, you’d be surprised how many people truly care and will support you through this, because you’re worth more than the silence of your shame.
You don’t have to live like this. There is a light through the darkness. And believe it or not, that light is within you, ready to shine once more.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 Australia | 0800 54 33 54 New Zealand
