Since becoming a mother, I haven't been feeling well: everything makes me anxious, I feel sad, I don't think I'll be a good mother, and I often argue with my partner. Where can I ask for help?

If you're feeling unwell and the discomfort has lasted for more than two weeks, it's important to be evaluated by a healthcare professional. You can see your midwife, your primary care physician, or a perinatal mental health specialist. Look for resources in your community.

The first thing is to share how you feel with those around you, especially your partner, and ask for help with anything you honestly feel you need. Let yourself be helped and allow yourself to rest. A good mother isn't one who can do everything alone. Taking care of yourself is taking care of your baby.

Look for peer support groups, mothers' groups and parenting groups; there may be one near where you live.

What you're feeling isn't your fault. Raising children isn't easy.

Motherhood is the most selfless and generous act you will ever perform. Don't dwell on how you think you should feel; instead, appreciate and remember all the good things you do. Don't just focus on how anxious or sad you are; also consider all the effort you are making for your baby. Remember, you don't have to be a perfect mother. We all feel overwhelmed or overloaded sometimes; it's not pleasant, but it doesn't mean you aren't a good mother.