Navigating Maternal Mental Health: Support and Resources for Indian Mothers

In Indian homes, mothers are often the first to wake up and the last to sleep. Whether it’s packing tiffins at 6 AM or helping with homework late into the night, mothers keep the family engine running day in and day out. But behind that strength, many women carry emotional burdens that go unnoticed.

Especially after childbirth, when everyone turns their attention to the baby, very few stop to ask the mother: How are you, really?

This Mother’s Day, let’s turn our focus inward, not just to celebrate Mom, but to check on her mental well-being. Because she deserves more than a bouquet of roses. She deserves to be heard, supported, and healed.

Maternal mental health refers to a woman’s emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy, postpartum, and even years after childbirth. It includes everything from the commonly known postpartum depression to anxiety, burnout, and even post-traumatic stress from childbirth experiences.

In India, mothers often suffer in silence. The cultural expectation to be the “perfect mother” can create guilt, shame, and reluctance to seek help. Comments like “Sab theek ho jayega” or “Yeh sab toh hota hi hai” (It’ll all be fine/This is normal) can discourage a woman from speaking up.

But mental health struggles are real, treatable, and deserve attention just like a fever or a broken bone would.

Mental health conditions don’t always look like dramatic emotional breakdowns. More often, they are silent, hidden beneath a smile. Watch out for these signs:

It’s important to note: these symptoms can appear during pregnancy or even months (or years) after childbirth. There is no fixed timeline for maternal mental health challenges.

Celebrating Mother’s Day doesn’t have to mean expensive gifts. Sometimes, the greatest support comes in small, thoughtful actions.

Start with a simple question:

“How are you feeling today?” Ask it with care. Ask it again tomorrow. And really listen to the answer.

Give her permission to rest:

Indian mothers often feel guilty resting. Reassure her that her well-being matters not just for herself, but for the family she nurtures.

Involve her in decisions, not just duties:

Whether it’s parenting choices or household expenses, mothers feel emotionally empowered when they’re seen as equal partners.

Break the silence:

If you’re a husband, a son, or a sibling, speak about mental health openly. When one person starts the conversation, others often feel safe to follow.

Mental health treatment doesn’t always mean long-term therapy. Sometimes, even one or two sessions with a counsellor can be a breakthrough.

Here are some resources available in India:

Encourage her gently. Say something like, “It’s okay to talk to someone. Therapy isn’t about weakness, it’s about strength.” Offer to help her make an appointment or accompany her if needed.

This year, what if we rewrote the script?

What if instead of just buying a saree or ordering cake, we gave our mothers the space to breathe? The opportunity to talk, to rest, to be heard not just as mothers, but as women with inner lives.

Let’s make mental health part of our family conversations. Let’s tell our moms that their pain is not invisible, that their joy matters, and that they deserve to heal.

Because when a mother’s mind is healthy, the entire family thrives.

To every mother reading this, whether you’re feeling strong, tired, joyful, or overwhelmed, know this:

Your mental health is not a luxury. It’s your right.

To every child, husband, friend, or family member: This Mother’s Day, honour her with more than flowers. Honour her by showing up for her emotional well-being, today and every day.

Let’s celebrate not just what mothers do for us but who they are inside. Let’s make this a new tradition. One rooted in care, kindness, and healing.