Balancing mothering and mental health recovery: the voices of mothers living with mental illness

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this study was to understand the strategies women living with mental illness use to balance the demands of mothering with mental health recovery.

Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 Australian women who self-identified as managing to balance mothering with mental health recovery. The data were analysed using constant comparative analysis, and other techniques informed from grounded theory.

Results: Mothers used four interconnected balancing strategies: prioritising in the present; looking after myself; buffering children; and using supports. Awareness of the crucial interconnectedness of mothering and recovery was the foundation for these balancing strategies. Developing this awareness was essential in order to value, develop and therefore implement these strategies. Supports and resources played a critical role in helping mothers to develop awareness of, as well as use, strategies to balance motherhood and mental health recovery.

Discussion: Mental health services can support mothers to develop an understanding of the inextricable connection between their own recovery needs and the needs of their child. Mothers can also be supported to successfully identify and employ their own strategies within each of the four categories developed in this study.

KEYWORDS:

• Mother living with mental illness
• mother
• parent
• recovery
• recovery-oriented practice

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the women who offered their time and shared their experiences, knowledge, and expertise.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.