Navigating Mental Health; The Silent Struggles of Womanhood.

We were recently had the privilege to participate in the Awaken the Divine Feminine Brunch, hosted by Heart and Soul Yoga and The Local Wellness Foundation. The month of May not only brings our focus to Mental Health Awareness and honoring our mothers, but it's also dedicated to Women's Health Care, with 'care' encompassing not only just the body but mind and spirit as well.

The brunch was not only apt, but incredibly inspiring. There's a certain magic in a room packed with women united for a common purpose. Strength in solidarity permeated every corner and don't even get me started on the amazing food. (Thank you Phlight Whittier)

The event felt as if we were dismantling the walls of competition, while simultaneously weaving unity through the threads of vulnerability, compassion, honesty, and strength. It's safe to say that everyone left feeling a touch less isolated, a surge more empowered, and a whole lot more cherished.

As we reach the halfway point of 2024, hurtling through time like a comet blazing across the night sky, we want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of self-care and self-love. It all begins and ends with you. No one will love you quite like you love yourself, and if you aren't prioritizing your own well-being, how can you continue to care for others? As women, nurturing and supporting others often comes naturally to us, but we must remember to extend that same care and compassion to ourselves.

In the constant chaos of everyday life, there is a silent struggle that often goes unnoticed – a battle with mental health – particularly for women. Behind the curated front of social media along with polished and polite everyday interactions lie stories of solitude, anxiety and depression. However, perseverance and resilience provide us the ability to turn our obstacles into opportunities.

The expectations placed upon women are daunting. From an early age women are taught to be nurturing, caring, and gentle. We are encouraged to prioritize the needs of others over our own, suppress our emotions, and handle difficult situations with calmness and grace. Society hurls at us a variety of pressures – we are expected to maintain unrealistic beauty standards, excel in our careers, nurture our relationships, and balance the demands of family and home life – it’s exhausting. Striving to meet these standards can take a significant toll on a woman’s mental health. The pressure to balance multiple roles all while maintaining a sense of control can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and overwhelm. 

Behind the idealized portrayals of womanhood depicted online and in media is a starkly contrasting reality. Behind closed doors women are grappling with comparison, endless demands, and a relentless cycle of self-doubt. While these struggles are shared by many, it doesn’t diminish the feelings of isolation they bring. Facing mental health struggles can feel impossible at times, but it is essential to remember you are not alone. It is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to your resilience. Feeling is healing and is a brave step towards self-discovery. As women, and mothers, it is important to extend ourselves the same love and compassion we give to others. 

However, amidst the darkness, there is light. Women are speaking up, breaking the silence surrounding mental health struggles, and shattering the mold that has been created for us. Support groups and online communities offer grace and understanding to women who feel alone in their struggles. By sharing their stories, women are dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health and the struggles of being a woman, one conversation at a time. This truth was evident at the Awaken the Divine Feminine brunch. It was truly inspiring to witness women from diverse backgrounds embrace their struggles with such candor and vulnerability. While not every woman may have personally resonated to the nuances of each story, collectively, we embraced the profound beauty that is womanhood. 

Although it’d be nice to wrap this rant up in a perfect bow, the complexities of womanhood defy neat conclusions, because the struggles are never-ending. Yet each conversation held and each story shared adds a layer of understanding and solidarity. So, to all the woman navigating the challenges of womanhood and motherhood, know that you are not alone. Your struggles are valid, your feelings are heard, and your strength is admirable. Let us continue to make our voices heard, break free from unrealistic expectations, and embrace the journey towards healing and self-acceptance, together. 

Let us never forget that before we are divided by race, religion or socioeconomic background, we are human beings and we ARE WOMEN! We are ALL MORE ALIKE than different and TOGETHER we can CHANGE THE WORLD!