The psychology of Motherhood: The myths we hear and the lies we tell ourselves

Recently, the American Psychological Association published the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, or the DSM. This is the tool used by all practitioners to diagnose the world. I can’t help but recognize that there was one major addition that was overlooked…the diagnosis of motherhood.

I mean, come on – is this not a disorder of sorts? With it’s own set of crazy symptoms and proposed treatment options (everybody and their momma can tell you how you should do it)?  A mental disorder is defined as a condition that “disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning”.

Soooo….when was the last time being a mom disrupted your thinking (mommy brain), your feelings (you now cry at Cheerio’s commercials), your mood (“everybody stop calling my name!”), your ability to relate to others (showing pictures of your kids without being asked), or your daily functioning (too many damn errands, appointments, little league practices to count).

YES being a mom plays with your brain – but we can take back what is rightfully ours (our sanity) by defining motherhood for ourselves, challenging myths, owning up to our untruths!

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Cherrell Thomas, MA, LPC,NCC, CPCS is a professional counselor, licensed by the state of Georgia and certified by the National Board of Counselors. With over 7 years in the field, Cherrell has experience in multiple areas of mental health. Through her private practice, HELPFUL THERAPY CENTER LLC, she promotes the power of inner resiliency and encourages her clients to define their own "happy".

However, she may have met her match in her three year old daughter who is teaching her everyday about life, parenting, and the struggle for sanity.

Follow along as we uncover the myths in a candid conversation, only a Mama can identify.