Motherhood, Mental Health, and the Menstrual Cycle: Because This Sh*t Is for The Birds
Menstrual and Mental Health
Introduction
James Brown once famously sang, “This is a man’s world.” If that rings true, it sheds light on many aspects of our society. It explains why we accept the artificial separation between the personal and professional spheres. It clarifies why reason is praised while emotion is criticized. And it reveals why our culture regards women's menstrual cycles as shameful, hidden affairs.
Isn’t it ironic? Throughout much of history, without menstruation, there would be no mothers, no babies, and no continuation of life itself. No cultures would have flourished, and no civilizations would have thrived. Yet, there persists a veil of secrecy around this natural process. We bleed cyclically, month after month, for the majority of our lives, and yet, for many, it remains shrouded in mystery, steeped in taboo. For numerous individuals, menstruation brings with it not only physical discomfort but also mental health challenges that are often unspoken and unaddressed. We grapple with mood swings, depression, suicidal thoughts, profound despair, anxiety, and fear, all in silence. To avoid societal judgment, we learn to conceal these struggles, lest they harm our competitiveness against our male peers and undermine our credibility. We keep our suffering hidden, fearing that disclosure could lead to higher insurance premiums, as insurers might see us as "high risk."
Motherhood encompasses a myriad of experiences, emotions, and transitions that shape the very essence of existence. For many of us, the journey toward motherhood begins with monthly battles against mental health issues. This blog aims not to merely state the obvious but to provide affirmation, validation, and understanding. It explores the complex connections between motherhood, mental health challenges, and the menstrual cycle, offering insights, strategies, and resources to navigate these multifaceted waters.
Welcome to the third installment of our motherhood and mental health series. This post in particular will help keep us off the First 48 or Snapped (lbvs).
Menstrual Art
The Menstrual Cycle: Back to Basics
The Role of the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a powerful narrative in a woman's life, marking the passage from menarche to menopause. It's a cycle that not only enables the miracle of motherhood but also weaves in and out of a woman's mental health narrative, influencing her emotional and psychological well-being at every turn.
From Menarche to Menopause
Menarche marks the beginning of reproductive capability, bringing about, for many, the first mental health challenges as young women navigate the new dynamics of their bodies and emotions.
Reproductive Years are characterized by cycles of hormonal fluctuations that can impact mental health through conditions like Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). While women around the world are impacted by them, they often know very little about what they are experiencing.
Perimenopause and Menopause signify the end of the reproductive years, bringing their own set of mental health challenges, from mood swings to anxiety and depression, as the body navigates another significant hormonal transition. Again, no one tells women about what comes with this. While many look forward to what they believe is the end of a lifetime of challenges, they are blindsided by an entirely new set of symptoms that come with it — a set that our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, etc. rarely warn us about.
Understanding the Impact
Hormonal changes across these stages can deeply affect mental health. Issues like PMS and PMDD during the reproductive years and the mental health effects of menopause are pivotal, yet often under-discussed. Recognizing and addressing these impacts is crucial for women's overall well-being.
Walking on the Lake
10 Things I Wish People Had Told Me About My Period and Mental Health
Now that we’ve visited the basics, I’d like to share with you some of the things I wish I had known and understood about my time of the month.
Mood and Mental Health Changes: I wish I knew how significantly my period could affect my mental health. Hormonal fluctuations can cause mood swings, anxiety, and even depression.
Bloating and Body Changes: I wish I knew that my body could undergo various changes, including bloating, during my menstrual cycle. These changes are normal but often unexpected.
Hair Changes: I wish I knew that hormonal changes could sometimes lead to thinning hair or changes in hair texture, a lesser-known side effect of menstrual cycles.
The Power of a Good Walk: I wish I knew never to underestimate the benefits of a simple walk to help manage stress and improve physical well-being during my period.
The Value of Nutrition: I wish I knew that eating a balanced diet could help alleviate some menstrual symptoms and improve my overall health.
The Importance of Working Out: I wish I knew that regular exercise could play a significant role in managing symptoms and boosting my mood.
Beyond Bleeding: I wish I knew that my period involves more than just bleeding; it's a complex interplay of bodily functions that can affect my overall health.
Open Conversations: I wish I knew it was okay to talk about menstrual health openly. Sharing can demystify experiences and foster support.
Diverse Experiences: I wish I knew that all women don't experience the same symptoms—menstrual health can vary greatly from person to person.
Menopause is a New Journey: I wish I knew that menopause doesn't signify freedom from menstrual challenges; it can introduce new issues like hair loss and unpredictable flows, marking the beginning of another phase of bodily understanding.
In conclusion, understanding the holistic impact of your menstrual cycle on your mental health is crucial for self-care and well-being. By acknowledging that your period encompasses more than just physical changes and embracing open conversations about your emotional experiences, you empower yourself to seek the support and resources needed to navigate any challenges that arise. Remember, prioritizing your mental health is not only valid but essential, and by prioritizing self-awareness, self-care, and seeking support when necessary, you can navigate your menstrual cycle with resilience and ease.
Tea and Bonnet
Self-Care Kit for Mothers Looking to Balance Mental Health and Menstruation
Welcome to our curated self-care kit designed specifically for mothers seeking to balance their mental health alongside the fluctuations of their menstrual cycle. Within this carefully selected collection, you'll find comforting essentials such as hot tea and aromatherapy oils to soothe both body and mind, along with practical tools like journals and stress-relief aids to help navigate the emotional ups and downs. Whether you're seeking relaxation, nourishment, or support, this kit is here to empower you on your journey towards holistic well-being as a mother.
Hot tea: A comforting and soothing beverage can help relax both the body and mind during challenging times. Opt for herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint, known for their calming properties.
Aromatherapy oils: Essential oils such as lavender, rose, or bergamot can be used in a diffuser or added to a relaxing bath to promote feelings of relaxation and ease stress.
Journal: Keeping a journal can provide a therapeutic outlet for expressing emotions, tracking mood fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, and identifying patterns in mental health symptoms.
Comfortable clothing: Stock your kit with cozy and comfortable clothing options, like soft loungewear or oversized sweaters, to help you feel more at ease during times of discomfort.
Healthy snacks: Nourish your body with nutritious snacks that can help stabilize blood sugar levels and support overall well-being. Opt for options rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats to help sustain energy levels.
Stress-relief tools: Include stress-relief tools such as stress balls, fidget spinners, or mindfulness apps to help alleviate tension and promote relaxation during stressful moments.
Gentle exercise resources: Incorporate gentle exercise resources like yoga mats, stretching guides, or online yoga classes tailored to menstrual health to help alleviate physical discomfort and improve mood.
Supportive literature: Add books or articles on topics related to mental health, menstruation, and self-care to your kit for inspiration, guidance, and encouragement on your journey to balance.
Relaxing music playlist: Create a playlist of soothing music or nature sounds that can help create a calming atmosphere and promote relaxation during moments of stress or discomfort.
Support network resources: Keep a list of supportive friends, family members, or mental health professionals you can reach out to for assistance, encouragement, or simply a listening ear when needed. Building a strong support network is essential for navigating the challenges of balancing mental health and menstruation as a mother.
From comforting teas and aromatherapy oils to stress-relief tools and supportive literature, each item on this list is carefully selected to provide comfort, relaxation, and empowerment. Remember, prioritizing your well-being is not selfish but essential for your ability to care for yourself and your loved ones. Embrace these tools as you embark on your journey towards holistic well-being, knowing that you deserve the time and space to nurture yourself as a mother.
Nurture
Conclusion
The journey of motherhood, entwined with the rhythms of the menstrual cycle and mental health, is filled with both trials and triumphs. By facing these challenges with understanding, support, and a sense of community, we can turn them into sources of strength and empowerment. Together, we can navigate through the highs and lows, finding resilience in our shared experiences and the connections we forge. As we move forward, let's embrace the complexities of motherhood with honesty, courage, and a commitment to self-care, knowing that through our struggles, we emerge stronger and more empowered than before.
Engage and Share Your Journey
We encourage you to share your thoughts, experiences, and insights in the comments section below. By engaging in open dialogue and mutual support.
P.S. — It’s Covet Season
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Photo Credit: Chris Charles
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
Dr. Sagashus Levingston is an author, entrepreneur and PhD holder. She has two fur babies, Maya and Gracie, six children (three boys and three girls), and they all (including her partner) live in Madison, WI. She loves all things business, is committed to reminding moms of their power, and is dedicated to playing her part in closing the wealth gap for people of color and women. She believes that mothering is a practice, like yoga, and she fights daily to manage her chocolate intake. The struggle is real, y’all…and sometimes it’s beautiful.
Follow her on Instagram: @infamous.mothers