When the Image Cracks – Motherhood, Mental Health, and Support That Matters

Free to Be Mindful
5 days ago
3 min read

The Motherhood We Envision

Before becoming a mom, many women carry a beautiful image of what motherhood will be. Maybe the mornings are peaceful. The coffee is hot. The kids are laughing. And somehow, you still feel like you.

As high-achieving women, we’re used to planning, preparing, and achieving—and motherhood feels like one more role to master. But real life has a way of interrupting that picture.

The Reality Behind the Image

For many modern moms - especially those balancing careers, caregiving, and personal ambition - the day-to-day reality looks very different. You might be toggling between work calls and school pickups, replying to emails while a baby cries in the background, managing the family calendar with no time to rest, yet still staying up late to get things done.

You love your family. You’re proud of your work. But the reality is… you’re exhausted.

Why May Deserves Our Attention

The month of May honors both Maternal Mental Health Day (the first Wednesday) and Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (the first Thursday). These dates are a powerful reminder that the emotional wellness of our children and the well-being of mothers are deeply connected.

Because when moms are quietly struggling, kids often feel the impact. And when we advocate for children’s mental health, we must also ask: Who is supporting the moms?

The Weight Moms Carry

Let these stats sink in:

68% of mothers reported burnout compared to 42% of fathers in a 2021 survey of parents with children under 18 (Ohio State University, 2022)
79% of working mothers experience extreme anxiety about meeting expectations at work and home (Talkspace, 2025)
92% of mothers feel they lack adequate societal support, particularly regarding maternity leave and childcare costs (University of Phoenix & Motherly, 2024)

And yet, the guilt creeps in with thoughts stating:“You should be grateful.” “Other moms have it harder.” “This is what you wanted.”

And while all of that may be true, so is this… You don’t have to do it all alone.

New Podcast Episode: A Reality Check with Heart

In the latest episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, “Expectation vs. Reality: What No One Tells You About Becoming a Mom,” I share real stories, not picture-perfect advice.

It’s an honest conversation about identity shifts, mental load, and the unspoken grief that comes when life doesn’t match the image we once held. Because even when motherhood is messy, it can still be meaningful.

If You’re Craving Support

You don’t have to wait until you're running on empty to ask for help. If you’ve been feeling stretched, stuck, or simply needing space to focus on you, know that you’re not alone.

Here are 3 ways I support moms throughout the month—and all year long:

🎙️ Free to Be Mindful Podcast – Real talk and mindful moments designed for the professional modern mom.
🧠 Therapy for NJ Residents – For moms and children seeking emotional clarity and support.
💛 Amiga Moms™ Coaching – Global coaching to help moms reduce overwhelm and reconnect with themselves in a meaningful way.

To Every Mom Reading This

Maybe your version of motherhood looks nothing like what you once imagined. Maybe it’s louder, messier, and harder. But it’s also full of love, strength, and moments that matter.

This is your gentle invitation: To pause. To breathe. To recognize that your well-being matters too.

Wishing you a peaceful, joy-filled, and supported Mother’s Day. You deserve nothing less.