Mental Health: ‘Supermum’ status is dramatically impacting women’s mental health

by Laura Cummins | 10 March 2022

Are you guilty of aimlessly scrolling through your social media apps and find that you are constantly comparing yourself to other mums and families?

Illustration by Helene the Illustrator depicting the reality of mental health.

If that is a reluctant yes, evidently, you are not alone.

In fact, a staggering 50% of mums revealed the immense pressure they obtain to be a ‘supermum’ thanks to influencers, celebrity, and social posts – with a further 75% admitting to the detrimental impact on their mental health.

But what do we mean when we refer to someone as a ‘supermum?’

A ‘supermum’’ is defined as an exemplary or exceptional mother, especially one who successfully manages a home and brings up children while having a full-time job. The term is frequently used in society to compliment mothers or acknowledge their achievements.

Anyone else believe this is a slightly unrealistic? Yeah, me too!

Bupa UK – who carried out the study – found further alarming statistics on mums’ wellbeing. Around 63% said they have driven themselves to exhaustion with the pressure to be a ‘supermum.’

Everything isn't as it seems on social media, as illustrated by Helene.

The fear of being judged on ‘imperfections’ has caused some mums to ‘filter’ their lives, only conveying the ‘perfect’ moments on social media.

Recognising the power of social media to influence women’s expectations of themselves and how this impacts mental health, Bupa UK have launched a new social campaign urging women to embrace the unfiltered life.

#unfilteryourlife encourages women to have authentic conversations about mental health and to highlight the challenges through motherhood.

Bupa UK have teamed up with Helene the Illustrator - a mum of one, who has built up a popular following for her honest illustrations depicting experiences of motherhood - on a series of illustrations to challenge perfectionism and highlight the struggles to attain ‘supermum.’

Dr Naomi Humber, clinical psychologist and Head of Mental Wellbeing at Bupa UK, commented: “It’s clear that social media can be a source of difficulty for many mothers as they compare their situation to the glossy images they see whilst scrolling. While some mums will find this type of content helpful or inspirational, what’s important is learning not to compare themselves and to see things for what they really are.”

Being a mother can and is difficult at times. Remember you are not alone and help is always at hand.