Focusing on mothers and mother-figures this Mental Health Awareness month

May is a powerful month of reflection and action—it’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health and ensuring that everyone, everywhere, has access to the support they need.

In the UK, mental health struggles remain widespread. According to Mind UK, one in four people will experience a mental health problem each year. Anxiety and depression rates are steadily rising, particularly among young people and minority communities. Mental health isn’t a niche issue—it’s a collective one, touching lives across all ages, backgrounds, and experiences.

This month also includes World Day for Cultural Diversity on May 21st, a reminder that mental health support must be culturally competent and inclusive. Research has shown that people from minority ethnic backgrounds face higher rates of mental health challenges but are significantly less likely to receive appropriate care. 

This gap is linked to minority stress—the chronic stress individuals experience due to discrimination, marginalization, or systemic barriers. Without culturally competent mental health care that acknowledges these experiences, real healing can feel out of reach.

May also brings Mother’s Day, an opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who often form the emotional backbone of families and communities. Yet many mothers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, carry enormous unseen burdens. From financial stress and workplace inequality to societal expectations of "doing it all," mothers are often expected to pour endlessly from a cup that's rarely refilled.

When we talk about mental health awareness, we must include mothers—the nurturers, protectors, and providers—who often put their needs last. Mothers deserve rest. They deserve culturally affirming support systems. They deserve access to mental health care that understands the unique pressures they face, not care that asks them to fit into one-size-fits-all solutions.

This May, let’s move beyond awareness into action.

Let’s champion mental health that is culturally competent and also recognises diversity. Let’s make sure that the mothers and caregivers in our lives are supported not just with flowers and cards—but with real care, attention, and love. Because when mothers thrive, communities thrive too.

And when we honour mental health for all, we all rise together.

At Tala Thrive, we support you with the tools for managing stress specific to motherhood and  your own life situation by matching and connecting you with culturally competent therapists and coaches who understand your culture, language and/or religion. 

So book your first session today at Tala Thrive and join our community to get the support you need.

Remember, we want you to thrive - mentally, physically, and emotionally - so you can start living the life you truly deserve.

By Lola Akinmade