LIFESTYLE | opinion Womanthismonth.com June 2024 45 What Are the Mental Challenges for Modern Motherhood? All these characteristics can lead today’s mothers to be very hard on themselves when exposed to contradictions and mental load. They find themselves multitasking, and wearing many hats, without necessarily having a solid support system. Even though we notice that some fathers are becoming more involved in child care, men didn’t experience a radical shift in their roles: work and fatherhood have always been a part of their identity. Therefore, the urgency of adjusting isn’t the same as in women. Additionally, the presence of a “village” or community around the mother isn’t necessarily part of the “modern” life anymore. In such conditions, many mothers experience, for instance, anxiety around the separation from their newborn in order to resume work. Parenting in loneliness can be the outcome, in a world where image and competition can weigh on mothers. Having ideals that aren’t easy to fill can provoke discomfort, shake self-confidence, create an identity crisis, and also show symptoms of depression and anxiety. In many cases, we find the exhaustion and burn out behind the symptoms are presented. Dr Diana Cheaib Houry is a psychotherapist licensed by the Community Development Authority and holds a PhD in Psychopathology and Psychoanalysis from the University of Denis-Diderot (France). She has a special interest in women’s mental health and has dedicated over 10 years to researching and studying women’s discomfort and mental issues and its relationship with culture and identity conflicts. Thrive Wellbeing Centre was founded in 2018 by Dr Sarah Rasmi. The centre now has a team of 20 specialised psychiatrists and psychologists who know that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that social relationships are the key to our well-being. In April 2021, Thrive Wellbeing launched Thrive in 5, an online, accessible and affordable platform for mental health and personal development for individuals and corporates alike. For more information, visit thrive.ae Now, How Do We Prevent and Overcome These Challenges? Women’s roles are progressing faster than the social structures, laws and the capacity for fathers to adjust. Even if women are showing remarkable flexibility, creativity and adaptability related to their multifaceted identity, we need to ensure it is not at the great cost of their mental health. Dr Diana reminds us of two realities: 1. Today’s mothers cannot be everything for everyone, everywhere and all the time. It is important for them to listen to their limits. This will reduce the guilt and the conflict that can be expressed in overcompensating: compensating for their children because they work and compensating for their work because they have children. Adjusting their ideals and perfectionism and asking for support can be a key. That is precisely Winnicott’s point, who believed that the way to be a good mother is to be a “good enough mother”, which also allows good enough parenting. 2. Today’s mothers can’t make it alone when exposing them to this shift. The whole system needs to support them, so they can succeed in smoothly embracing the change and be the reference for next generations, the reference they didn’t have! The modern Arab mother’s multifaceted role in today’s world is a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to nurturing both family and society. Embracing change with grace and determination, they have evolved beyond traditional stereotypes, becoming a driving force in shaping the future. As a cornerstone of the family unit and a catalyst for progress, the modern Arab mother exemplifies the power of embracing change, demonstrating that with an open heart and a forward-looking mindset, they not only thrive in the face of transformation but also contribute significantly to the positive evolution of community and the broader global landscape.
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