A middle aged woman sits down with her doctor to discuss her depression symptoms. She is dressed in casual business attire and looking at her doctor as they talk. The female doctor is wearing a white lab coat and listening attentively to the woman’s concerns.
Filled with joyous moments and unexpected challenges, the journey of motherhood can be a whirlwind.
Among the chaos, it’s important to recognize the toll it can take on your mental well-being.
The importance of mental health. The stress and anxiety often experienced during motherhood can manifest physically, affecting your energy levels, immune system and cardiovascular health. That is why Hartford HealthCare Medical Group (HHC MG) conducts comprehensive mental health screenings as part of all routine health
assessments. “Mental health is crucial for everyone, regardless of their stage of life,” emphasizes Dr. Mahvish Qazi, a family medicine provider with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group in Bridgeport. “Your mental well-
being should not be just an afterthought. It intricately ties to your physical health.”
Challenges of motherhood
If you find yourself struggling with sleepless nights, isolation or the pressure of trying to maintain a
balance, know that you’re not alone. These challenges are shared by many navigating motherhood.
1. Sleep Deprivation: The constant demands of caring for your child can lead to sleepless nights,
potentially leaving you physically exhausted and mentally drained.
2. Social Isolation: Motherhood can often disrupt your social life. The isolation that results, can
lead to feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
3. Balancing Act: Juggling multiple responsibilities, from childcare to household chores and work
commitments, can create an overwhelming sense of pressure. The constant need to balance
various aspects of your life can lead to stress and feelings of inadequacy, affecting your mental
well-being.
As you navigate through the challenges, it’s essential to acknowledge and address their impact on your
overall well-being.
Identifying your needs
“When it comes to addressing your mental health, your next primary care visit is a prime opportunity,”
says Dr. Qazi. Our HHC MG providers use industry standard questionnaires to catch signs of depression or anxiety
early on. By asking about your mood, energy levels and daily activities, your provider gains insights into
your mental health. “By using these simple questionnaires, we make sure you receive timely support and intervention when needed,” adds Dr. Qazi.
Your next step toward holistic health
As you continue navigating motherhood’s whirlwind, remember that your mental health is not an
afterthought. Consider your next primary care visit as a proactive step toward holistic well-being.
Mahvish Qazi, MD, is a board-certified family medicine provider welcoming new patients at Hartford
HealthCare Medical Group in Bridgeport.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Qazi.
Her areas of interest include women’s health, preventative medicine and procedures.
Dr. Qazi received her medical degree from Ross University Medical School in Portsmouth, Dominica, and
completed an internship and residency in family medicine through Rutgers University at CentraState
Medical Center in Freehold, New Jersey.