Episode 7: Why Am I Having A Mental Breakdown?
Season 1, Episode 7
Why Am I Having A Mental Breakdown?
Parenting, A Public Health Crisis
Reflecting on a difficult period of holiday-induced chaos, Cristina hit her breaking point — and she’s not alone. Joined by Tiffany Hodges, Jess Kahn Marks, and Jamie Denison, the moms get radically honest about the chaos, the pressure, and the mental health crisis that comes with modern motherhood.
This raw, unfiltered conversation dives deep into what happens when the demands of parenting outpace the support systems meant to hold us up. From the emotional toll of carrying it all to the societal expectations that make us feel like we’re always failing, this episode unpacks the very real impacts on mental health facing today’s parents — and why it’s a public health issue we can’t afford to ignore.
With humor, vulnerability, and real talk, the group opens up about everything from solo parenting meltdowns to the impossible standards of “intensive parenting,” the lack of community support, and how even the most basic acts of self-care feel radical.
If you’ve ever looked around and wondered, "Why does parenting feel so hard?" — this one’s for you.
🗣️ What We Talk About:
The stress of manufacturing ‘holiday magic’ — and who that burden usually falls on
Why mothers carry the mental load (and what it’s doing to our health)
The impossible pressures of “intensive parenting”
How family dynamics have shifted away from community and toward isolation
Communication breakdowns in relationships — and how to get on the same page
Why breakdowns can actually be breakthrough moments
The importance of naming abuse, stress, and inequality in parenting
Creating space for women’s health, mental well-being, and self-care
Real talk on what support systems should actually look like
📚 Recommended Reading & Resources:
Parents Under Pressure The U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on the Mental Health & Well-Being of Parents, 2024.
The Parents Aren’t Alright. Barbaro, Michael, host, and Claire Cain Miller, guest. "The Parents Aren't All Right." The Daily, The New York Times, 9 Oct. 2024.
Fair Play Rodsky, Eve. Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live). G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2019.
The Second Shift Hocheschild, Arlie. The Second Shift: Working Families and the Revolution at Home. Penguin Books, 2012.
❤️ You Are Not Alone: Help for Abusive Relationships
If you or someone you love is experiencing abuse—emotional, physical, sexual, or psychological—please know support is available. These trusted resources can offer immediate, confidential help:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
📞 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
💬 Text: START to 88788
🌐 thehotline.org
Available 24/7 with trained advocates offering free, confidential help in over 200 languages.Women’s Law (from NNEDV)
🌐womenslaw.org
Find clear legal info by state on protection orders, custody, and divorce. You can also email an advocate anonymously for guidance.
👯♀️ Meet Your Hosts:
Cristina Sansone – Public health pro turned full-time stay-at-home mom of three
Jamie Dennison – Corporate exec and mom of two
Jess Kahn Marks – Former engineer and mom of two
Tiffany Hodges – Writer, actor, filmmaker, and mom of one
🔗 Follow Along:
📱 IG: @momsamongotherthings
🌐 Website: mommyhasquestions.com
🎧 Presented by: momsamongotherthings.com
🔑 Keywords:
parenting, mental health, burnout, societal expectations, intensive parenting, motherhood, family dynamics, communication, mental load, public health, social media, community support, women’s health, self-care, empowerment, abuse
