The Silent Struggle: Pelvic Floor Health vs. Mental Health

When it comes to discussing our pelvic floor, we're delving into the most personal and intimate aspects of our bodies. These are parts and functions that typically don't make for casual conversation. At least, I imagine you don’t walk around letting everyone know how your morning toilet time went. Understandably, it can be challenging to broach the subject, even when we're facing issues. However, our pelvic floor is responsible for vital bodily functions—functions that can impact every facet of our lives if they're not functioning properly. Talking about it is not just important but necessary.

In a parallel vein, our mental health is another intimate facet of ourselves. While society, in general, is becoming more transparent about personal struggles with mental health, there seems to be a gap when it comes to the pregnant and postpartum population—our moms. As mothers, even with an amazing support system, acknowledging symptoms of anxiety and depression can feel deeply shameful. We're expected to revel in the journey of creating life, to radiate with endorphins (though the pregnancy "glow" can sometimes feel elusive), to be madly in love with our newborns, to appreciate our bodies for the miraculous feats they've accomplished, to relish in the playful nature of our toddlers, to smile as we chauffeur our preteens around all afternoon, and to make our partners feel loved and cherished. Talking about feeling any anxiety or depression can seem at odds with this idealized image. After all, we're supposed to be happy. Yet, talking about it is not just important—it's necessary.

Here's something mind-boggling: Anxiety and depression are closely linked to pelvic floor dysfunction. And is there a group of people more susceptible to a combination of pelvic and mental health struggles than moms? I sure can’t think of one.

Pregnancy and postpartum bring about profound physical and hormonal changes, coupled with the physical and mental challenges of actually birthing our children. While our bodies are undeniably amazing, and the journey of motherhood is nothing short of sacred (we truly are walking miracles), we are far from immune to the toll of bringing new life into this world.

If you find yourself struggling with pelvic floor issues (or any persistent physical pain), and corrective exercise alone doesn't seem to be enough, what might be missing is a practice to improve your mental health. These two aspects are intrinsically linked—a circle in which one influences the other. They go hand-in-hand. The path to better mental health may involve physical exercise, just as the key to improved physical health may lie in mental exercises.

This is precisely why I advocate for a holistic approach to health and fitness. Please, don't hesitate to talk about how you feel and what you're experiencing. Though the journey of struggling with your health can often feel lonely, know that you're not alone. My purpose is to help you believe that.