Mothers living with mental illness encounter distinct and often difficult circumstances that affect both their personal well-being and their capacity to care for their children. They frequently face increased stress, societal stigma, and feelings of self-doubt, all of which can worsen their mental health conditions. These conditions may include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. The stigma surrounding mental illness can result in social isolation and hesitation to seek professional support, further intensifying their struggles. Nevertheless, many mothers coping with mental illness draws resilience and purpose from their role as caregivers.


Purpose: This research is about understanding the experiences of the mothers with mental illness
Methods: This qualitative study seeks to explore and understand the lived experiences of mothers with mental illness. The research employed in-depth interviews with eleven mothers who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions and have provided informed consent to participate. T
Results: The study has focused on generating themes through the interviews. The study has found 4 core themes that is- stigma, identity, motherhood and support system. Under the main themes there are several sub-themes which has been generated. Certain sub-themes such as self-stigma, stigma associated with the illness, identity due to illness, positive aspects of parenting, challenges in parenting, family support has been revealed.
Conclusion: The study explored the journey of motherhood for mothers with mental illness. Through this journey the mothers have underwent various challenges due to stigma, responsibilities, unsupportive family members which has made them self-themselves and their abilities. The study has also explored how due to stigma the identity of a mother is affected and due to mental illness stigma, the support system is affected.