The Untold Struggles of Motherhood: My Journey into Mental Health Occupational Therapy

Hello, I’m Rachael Teixeira Jones, and I’ve been working as a qualified Occupational Therapist for almost five years. Initially, my focus was on physical occupational therapy. The idea of having a clear start and endpoint to treatment really appealed to me. However, God led me on a different path—one that felt deeply personal to me and my life experiences. I became a mental health occupational therapist.

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Growing up in a household where mental health issues were prevalent, I witnessed firsthand how these conditions affected not only the individual but also those around them. It became painfully clear to me how untreated mental illness can impact families, often in ways that are unseen and unspoken. That’s why my decision to become an OT felt meaningful—it wasn’t just a career choice; it was a response to my own history.

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But it wasn’t until after I had my daughter in 2015 that I truly understood how mental health can affect anyone, even those who feel they have everything under control.

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My Journey into Postpartum Mental Health

I had always prided myself on being someone who could control the situation. I had planned for a natural water birth, determined to exclusively breastfeed, and assumed everything would fall into place. But, like many new mothers, I learned quickly that the reality of motherhood doesn’t always match the expectations.

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Shortly after childbirth, I began to experience something I hadn’t anticipated: postpartum psychosis. It came on quickly—partly due to breastfeeding struggles, lack of support, and the overwhelming adjustment to motherhood. My husband, who was concerned, kept telling me I was just tired. But I knew something was wrong. I began to feel detached from my own baby, even confusing her with myself, which terrified me.

The situation escalated. I became consumed by an irrational fear that something would happen to my baby, and I would scream her name in the middle of the night, unable to calm myself. The lack of sleep, the unaddressed mental health concerns, and the isolation I felt left me in a constant state of stress. I was stuck in a vicious cycle.

Thankfully, with the help of breastfeeding support from an OT, discovering my baby girls tongue tie, then having it released at 2.5 months (very late), feeding became manageable and I began to find my rhythm as a mother. Slowly, things started to improve. But through this experience, a thought kept lingering in my mind: Why wasn’t I prepared for this?

The Gap in Maternal Education

During my pregnancy, the focus of every prenatal meeting was on my baby’s growth and well-being, which, of course, is incredibly important. However, what was missing was preparation for me, as a mother. No one discussed the significant changes I would face in my role as a mother and how to adapt to those changes.

This process of “role adaptation” is something I didn’t realize I would have to go through. Role adaptation refers to how a woman adjusts to her new responsibilities, routines, and priorities as a mother. This adaptation impacts not only her daily routine but also her sense of self and personal identity. It’s an ongoing process that evolves as the child grows.

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If a woman struggles to adapt to her new role, it can lead to occupational dysfunction, confusion, stress, and even a decline in mental health. This was the experience I lived through—feeling unprepared and overwhelmed by the new roles I had to fill.

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How I Want to Help Other Mothers

As an Occupational Therapist and a mother, I now recognize the importance of helping mothers prepare for the mental, emotional, and occupational changes they’ll face. My goal is to provide in-depth support for mothers, especially black mothers, who often face additional barriers and inequities in care. I offer culturally sensitive, compassionate guidance to help them navigate this transformative time in their lives.

When I became a mother, I learned just how vital the right support is for breastfeeding success, and I want to share that knowledge with others. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of developing healthy routines and rituals that promote both mother and baby’s well-being.

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As a black mother, I understand the unique challenges and systemic inequities that black women face, especially when it comes to mental health and maternal care. This gives me a distinct perspective and allows me to offer tailored, culturally responsive interventions that are often missing in mainstream healthcare.

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Supporting Mental Health Through Role Adaptation

Motherhood is a beautiful and transformative journey, but it’s also incredibly challenging. The adjustment to this new role can impact your mental health in profound ways. It’s time we start acknowledging the mental health needs of mothers and providing them with the tools they need to thrive—not just survive.

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If you want to learn more about the importance of role adaptation and how it can improve mental health outcomes for mothers, I encourage you to subscribe to my blog. Here, I’ll share insights, support, and practical advice on how to navigate the challenges of motherhood with greater confidence, resilience, and well-being.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more with you! Email me any questions via the email form.