Supporting mothers’ mental health is crucial for the well-being of both mothers and their families. When mothers prioritize their mental health and well-being, it has a positive ripple effect on the entire family unit. Common Hope understands that a healthy body includes a healthy mind and is increasingly important when our families are facing uniquely challenging circumstances.
Common Hope’s support reaches far beyond just the student but to the whole family. To prioritize education, we must ensure that all members of a family are healthy to promote and foster a positive environment for a child to grow and learn.
Meet María José, a mother of two boys. María’s sons are her biggest source of inspiration as she watches them grow and pursue a better life through education. “As a mother, my life’s project is improving my family’s quality of life, which sometimes requires seeking support from others,” shares María.
María had always advised her children to keep moving forward, but she was struggling to do so herself. In March, she decided to attend Common Hope Familias de Esperanza’s Mente Sana (Healthy Minds) program to prioritize her own well-being so she could better position herself to get a better job. She felt that in order to provide a loving environment where education can thrive for her sons, she needed to lead by example and model what she says to provide a more resilient family unit.
María was able to improve her time management skills and search for a new job with the help of coaching and counseling in the program. Eventually, she found a job that she believes will set her and her family for success in the future. The coaching also inspired her to pursue higher education beyond a high school degree. She is currently in the process of taking tests to qualify for a university in her community so she can become a medical representative.
“I can say that the counseling sessions helped me a lot because I learned to prioritize my mental and emotional well-being, training myself to engage in activities that bring me happiness and inner peace,”she continues.
Mente Sana has opened doors to new opportunities for María. She feels like she’s become a strong role model for her sons, demonstrating that if you put your mind to something, you have the power to achieve your most ambitious dreams, even in the face of adversity. Sometimes, it simply requires putting yourself first. María is excited to continue her professional development and pave the way for herself and her sons. “I’ve learned to trust in my abilities and talents and take advantage of each of them,” concludes María.
A mother’s mental health plays a crucial role in the long-term stability of the family. When mothers take care of their mental health, they are better equipped to handle the challenges and changes that may come.
“I managed to understand that I cannot and should not agree with things that do not please me, nor make me feel good.” After completing counseling, María is ready to take off and create a future on her terms.