Recap: Mental Health and Motherhood
Last week, 35 working moms gathered at a sold-out event to discuss motherhood and mental health. We heard from Ashley Wright, a professional therapist and participated in guided discussions with other working moms at our tables.
And it was SO GOOD! To prove it, here are a few comments we’ve received over the past week:
This was so important that I went home and told my husband all about it that same night.
I thought the speaker did a really nice job providing a mix of background, information, doing an exercise and allowing time for questions.
It was so helpful to hear the science of how the brain works paired with Biblical understanding of the topic.
I loved that she gave us practical tools to use at home.
Because they’ve experienced trauma, I’m going to set a therapy appointment for my kids.
Mental health is something many moms (and dads, and kids…) struggle with daily – but Ashley’s biggest point was that we may not have to. Through science and well-equipped counselors, it’s absolutely possible for many people to usher anxieties, depression and other concerns to a place of healing. Wouldn’t it be nice to see those things in the rearview mirror, or at least well-managed??
Mental health concerns range greatly, and there is no one “quick fix,” but Ashley shared some helpful information, so we’re recapping it here:
The Bible says our bodies will fail us – it’s inevitable. That even includes our minds. So, it’s not abnormal for us to experience seasons or ongoing battles within our minds. We can even expect it.
Ashley drew a diagram of a brain to show us how and where our brains store memories. She explained why it’s important to shift memories from the back of our brains as it can affect other memories and daily function if we don’t.
While not always easy, it’s helpful to process negative memories (or, trauma) with a professional counselor so we can move toward a place of healing and wellness.
Counseling provides the necessary tools to process negative memories, and God has well-equipped people to walk with you through mental health concerns.
Children don’t process negative experiences in the same way adults do. Children typically showcase their mental health status through their behavior. What they can’t verbally express, they show.
Children need more time and space to process things. That means, without nagging, parents should ask questions about their child’s negative experiences more than once – and give them space to articulate those feelings without fear of judgment.
When teenagers argue, it’s often how they’re processing information or situations. Be sure to reassure them of your love, even though you may disagree. It may even diffuse a tense situation.
When determining if your child would benefit from counseling, it can be helpful to ask yourself, “Does what I’m noticing seem like a season, or is it becoming a pattern?” A child with a pattern of negative behavior may benefit from professional counseling.
The bond between patient and therapist is important. If you start working with a professional and you don’t connect with them, it’s OK! Find someone you do connect with and go from there.
Resources that were mentioned include:
The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegal and Tina Payne Bryson
Raising a Modern Day Knight by Robert Lewis
Additional resources recommended by Ashley’s practice can be found here.
We are so thankful to Ashley for her time and willingness to share her expertise on such an important topic! If you think you or someone in your family might benefit from speaking with a therapist, pick up the phone, send an email, find a counselor that’s a good fit. We hear this is a good month to try new things. 😊
Official disclaimer: It’s important to note that the information shared above is intended to shine a light on how counseling can benefit certain mental health situations. It is not a substitute for seeking care, and we encourage you to find a mental health provider that fits your specific needs.