Menu
I Faced Mom-Shaming on Instagram Because of My Mental Health Condition
artificial insemination kit for humans
Right now, fifteen-year-old Jessica is probably cringing. If she could meet me today — a writer and Instagram content creator who embraces my body and openly discusses living with a mental health condition I didn’t even know I had — she’d likely run off to hide under a rock.
Teenage Jessica was terrified of being disliked. She craved validation from others and felt deeply isolated while putting on a facade of “I’m fine.” She worked hard to suppress her true, messy self.
To the younger me, I say — hang on tight, because this is just the beginning.
Hi! I’m Jessica Taylor, and I’m a mom dealing with Complex PTSD and Functional Neurological Disorder. I frequently share my healing journey from childhood trauma on social media, where I talk openly about living with a mental health condition and disability. Recently, one of my posts went unexpectedly viral.
I never thought that a 30-second video of me recovering from a seizure while my two-year-old snuggled with me would blow up, but it did. The post received over 1.5 million views, 60K likes, and countless comments.
Alongside the video, many parents and trauma survivors expressed their support, while others, who were curious, asked questions about my seizures. I even had some extremely religious folks praying for my healing, which was a first for me on social media.
But amidst this outpouring of love, I also faced a barrage of mom-shaming comments from some individuals who felt entitled to criticize my parenting.
So, grab your favorite mug, fill it with some reheated coffee, and settle in as I share some of the negative comments directed at me, all because I dare to have a mental health condition.
Okay, let’s dive into this one comment that didn’t directly attack my parenting but was still incredibly rude. Someone telling me to “just be normal” is like expecting gravity to stop working. It’s simply not going to happen!
Seriously, are you suggesting that I somehow trained my child to give me cuddles during a seizure? Who’s taking care of him? His loving parents, that’s who! It’s baffling that someone would act like a detective and make absurd assumptions about my life.
Let’s address the implications of some comments suggesting that those with disabilities shouldn’t have children — that sounds suspiciously like eugenics. The assumption that every parent dealing with a mental health issue is aware of it or has access to proper resources for healing is incredibly misguided.
And it’s infuriating to see someone who offers parenting advice while holding their own child in their profile picture. Talk about hypocrisy!
Let’s clarify what’s happening in my video. I was enjoying a beautiful morning with my kids when I had a non-epileptic seizure. I asked my husband to record it because it helps my medical team and my family understand what I experience. Sharing my journey helps break the stigma surrounding trauma and mental health.
After the seizure, my little one came over to comfort me, echoing the loving words we say to him when he’s upset. This genuine moment of love from my child meant the world to me.
These episodes are real and beyond my control, stemming from two disorders I didn’t choose. There’s nothing ridiculous about sharing my struggles or capturing tender moments with my compassionate toddler.
What’s truly absurd is the notion that someone would choose to will a seizure into being or that there’s something inherently wrong with me during one. Plus, let’s not overlook the mental health of my young children. They, like all kids, may need therapy someday, but they are loved, safe, and thriving.
Why do some people feel the need to project their ableist beliefs onto me? Real scarring comes from being a parent too fearful of judgment to seek mental health support. The trauma I experienced in my childhood is precisely why I’m committed to breaking this cycle through therapy and medication.
Do you know how exhausting it is to be the one who stops the cycle of abuse? Apparently, some people would rather spend their energy criticizing a mom dealing with seizures online than understanding the complexities of mental health.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, instead of wallowing in negativity, I’ll be enjoying a cozy movie night with my kids.
If you’re struggling with mental health issues or self-harm, please reach out to a trusted hotline or support resource.
For more on parenting and mental health discussions, check out this insightful post on home insemination. You can also explore Make A Mom’s resources for fertility and home insemination support, or read about IUI success rates for valuable insights.
Search Queries:
- home insemination kit
- home insemination syringe
- self insemination
- mental health and parenting
- navigating parenting with a disability
In summary, as a mother living with mental health challenges, I’ve dealt with both support and harsh criticism online. Sharing my journey has opened up important conversations about mental health and parenting, proving that love and understanding can shine through even in difficult moments.